Match Reports - Women Senior
Thu, 10 Nov 2005Northern Ireland v. Slovakia
| Northern Ireland Lisa O’Neill, Rachel Furness |
2-1 | Slovakia Zubkova |
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NORTHERN Ireland Ladies played their first ever World Cup qualifier at home against Slovakia at Ballymena Showgrounds and what a game it was with Northern Irelandproducing a fantastic performance.
This was Northern Ireland ’s second game in the group having lost 3-2 in Romania 12 days ago. With the confidence that was gained from their Romanian performance, Northern Ireland approached this game in a very committed and confident manner against the group leaders with Slovakia being unbeaten home or away in the group.
Straight from the kick-off the Northern Irish were on the offensive taking the game to the Slovakians. And we were immediately rewarded when, after a great run from Rachel Furness, she drove in a great cross which was driven home by Lisa O’Neill.
With Rachel Furness causing all sorts of problems for the Slovakians, Northern Ireland should have added to the score.
Gradually the Slovakians began to play their way back into the game and on 35 minutes they equalised through Zubkova, who scored from a narrow angle. And it took a good save from Emma Higgins just on half time to ensure that the local girls did not go in behind.
The second half started with the Slovakians again on top for the first 10 minutes. But this new found Northern Irish belief came through as the Northern Ireland team, having taken all that Slovakia could give, started to take control. With O’Neill and Stacey Hall causing problems up front and the midfield of Corish, Turner, Booth and Furness taking control, the Northern Irish defence of McGovern, Hutton, Leyland and Bailie, who had been outstanding, began to push up.
The introduction of Meabh McLaughlin and Lynsey Patterson brought a fresh impetus to the Northern Irish.
With the game now being played in the Slovakian half, Northern Ireland scored a second and winning goal. A great through ball by Stacey Hall found Rachel Furness who pushed past the defender to fire hard and high into the net.
For the remaining 18 minutes Northern Ireland pushed forward but on the break, Emma Higgins again made crucial saves. With Lynsey Patterson now raiding on the right, Slovakia was forced back, unable to push lots of bodies forward.
With time running out Hall fired just over but this was of no significance as the final whistle blew shortly after, to release great scenes of delight and celebration for the Northern Ireland girls.
They had all played outstandingly on the day with not only the 13 who had taken part but also all the subs on the bench who had been vociferous in their support to the team playing their part.
Another great and historic day for Northern Ireland ’s football with the women now up there with the men in getting a famous victory.
