GOAL hero Kerry Beattie admitted she hadn’t expected to find the net with the header (above) that secured Northern Ireland’s 2-0 win in Malta and with it, a place in the first set of play-offs for places at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
An own goal in the first half and a fine goal from Kerry after the break ensured Tanya Oxtoby’s side secured all three points in the League B Group 3 encounter at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’Qali.
Hearts striker Kerry, drafted in as one of four changes to the side from their last game, said afterwards: “I told the girls not to put in high crosses as I’m not that good in the air and then I score with a header!”
In the event, Rebecca McKenna fired in an excellent cross from the right flank and Beattie scored with a powerful header into the bottom corner from seven yards for a fine finish.
Kerry added: “Being on from the start was a long time coming for me. I was just happy to start and be on the pitch. To get on the scoresheet was class.
“This was a relatively young side and I wouldn’t say we were under pressure to get the win but there was expectation. We had a lot to live up to. I was delighted to get the goal at the right time in the second half to seal the win… it was the product of a great all-round team performance.
“When you look at our bench, anyone could come on and play. It shows the competition for places in the squad now.
“We have the players to keep this momentum going but we also need the fans behind us so hopefully they will turn out in force to support us with home advantage on Tuesday.
“We didn’t have many fans in the stadium in Malta but we heard them and appreciated them making the trip. Hopefully we will give them more to cheer on Tuesday.”
Head coach Tanya Oxtoby insisted her side were always in control of the game.
“We always had our destiny in our own hands,” she said. “We rode a bit of a storm in the first half and then made some tactical tweaks to exploit spaces.
“Now we rest, regroup and we go again Tuesday.”
The victory means Northern Ireland have moved into second place in League B Group 3 on goal difference from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who drew 0-0 at home against table toppers Portugal. Both Northern Ireland and the Bosnians have seven points from five games in the group.
Northern Ireland face Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final game in the league phase of the Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers on Tuesday (July 16) at 6.00pm.
If they avoid defeat at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, they will finish second in the group, although they will likely need a win to be seeded for the first instalment of two sets of play-offs.
Player of the Match Keri Halliday with proud mum and dad
