Plenty to be positive about despite third defeat for NI women in Euro futsal qualifying series
Keith Gibson's side give their all but lose to Netherlands in Newry
Northern Ireland women fell tonight (Friday) to a third defeat in their Euro futsal qualifying series at Newry Leisure Centre.
Despite another spirited performance from Keith Gibson’s side, they lost 4-2 to the highly-fancied Netherlands.
The locals were chasing the game from the get-go after conceding a goal after only a minute on the clock – and the Dutch doubled their tally a short time later.
But to their credit, Northern Ireland pushed for an equaliser and were rewarded on 11 minutes when a Nadene Caldwell strike found the net.
And on the stroke of half-time Louise McFrederick almost levelled the scores but her close-range effort rebounded off the post.
The second period was nip and tuck with Northern Ireland keeper Alice Harkness in tip-top form, pulling off save after save.
But two quick succession goals for the away side put the game beyond doubt.
With just three minutes to go McFrederick grabbed a consolation goal.
Gibson can take a lot of positives from this tournament with his inexperienced squad giving a good account of themselves throughout.
Earlier, Sweden finished top of the group with three wins from three.
Northern Ireland squad: Alice Harkness, Megan McCabe, Rachel McConnell, Nadene Caldwell, Megan Weatherall, Louise Doherty, Beth McKay, Olivia Brown, Amber Dempster, Erin Hennity, Heather Mearns, Louise McFrederick