Narrow defeat for Northern Ireland in Euros qualifying opener in Newry
Keith Gibson's side lose to Belgium after spirited display
Northern Ireland put up a brave fight in their opening UEFA Women’s Futsal qualifier in Newry last night (Tuesday) but ultimately fell 4-3 to much more experienced Belgium side.
It was end-to-end stuff at the city’s Leisure Centre which is hosting a series of internationals this week as part of the inaugural Euros tournament.
Keith Gibson’s side were on top form from the start with captain Nadene Caldwell going close during the initial exchanges.
But it was the away team who took the lead – after three minutes.
Northern Ireland levelled the score on 12 minutes.
Heather Mearns did well to intercept a pass on the half way line, dribbled into the Belgian half- finished low beneath the oncoming Belgian keeper.
Belgium were ahead again on 14 minutes as captain Imke Courtois put her side 2-1 ahead with a pin-point finish into the top corner leaving Harkness with no chance.
It only took Northern Ireland two minutes to draw level again through. Forward Beth McKay was the scorer this time with a clever finish past Zelie Lambert in the Belgium goal.
Celine Verdonck put Belgium 3-2 ahead just before half time with a neat finish from the right of the area.
The second half didn’t start just as brightly as the first although Northern Ireland defended superbly with Mearns and Louise McFrederick making some important tackles. Rachel McConnell led the line well and looked dangerous for on the break.
It took ten minutes for Belgium to stretch their lead on 30 minutes as Mariam Abdulai Toloba finished from close range under pressure from the Northern Ireland defence.
Gibson’s side showed incredible character and the scoreline was back to 4-3 only two minutes later. Caldwell made a great run down the right and squared it to Amber Dempster who finished well into the bottom corner.
Some superb late pressure from Northern Ireland was unfortunately to no avail as Belgium held on to their lead with the scoreline finishing 4-3.
Northern Ireland take on Sweden later, with the match kicking off at 7pm.