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Sunday 03 Mar 2019
Northern Ireland advance to third place play-off thanks to Vance

Northern Ireland Senior Women sealed a place in the third place play-off at the Alanya Gold City Women’s Cup in Turkey with a 4-0 win against Kazakhstan.

After their narrow defeat to eventual group winners France B they bounced back in style thanks to a double from Glentoran Women player Demi Vance and one apiece from captain Simone Magill and Rachel Furness.

Northern Ireland boss Alfie Wylie gave an international debut to Everton Ladies keeper Becky Flaherty and also brought in former Under-19 captain Emma McMaster for the final group game.

It took 27 minutes for the deadlock to be broken. Reading Women's attacking midfielder Furness scored her fifth in three games with a stunning volley from distance.

And then Vance got her name on the scoresheet just before half-time to give Northern Ireland a comfortable lead going into the break.

Kazakhstan, however, came out fighting in the second half and the Northern Ireland defence had to repel several attacks before substitute Lauren Wade set up Everton Ladies strker Magill to ensure the victory.

Midfielder Vance then put the icing on the cake in stoppage time, substitute Louise McDaniel setting her up to make it 4-0. 

The result means the Senior Women have advanced to the third/fourth place play-off game tomorrow (Tuesday 5 March).

Northern Ireland starting line-up: Becky Flaherty, Jessica Foy, Freya Holdaway, Ashley Hutton, Emma McMaster, Demi Vance, Sarah McFadden, Rachel Furness, Kerry Montgomery, Simone Magill (c), Rebecca McKenna.