NORTHERN Ireland goal hero Joely Andrews hailed Tuesday’s 2-0 Windsor Park win over Bosnia and Herzegovina as a proof of the progress Tanya Oxtoby’s side have made in their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying group.
The newly signed Hearts midfielder sent Northern Ireland on their way with an early second half goal with an insurance goal from substitute Lauren Wade ensuring Northern Ireland finished second in the group behind Portugal with 10 points from six games.
Joely said afterwards: “The qualifying group has been a journey for us. From the first game to this final one in the group, there is a noticeable difference in our play. We have learned to manage games better and that is starting to show in results.
“Coming into the last two games against Malta and Bosnia, the target was six points and we achieved that. It shows we are on the right track.”
On a personal note, Joely added after being brought into the starting line-up: “It’s an honour any time you get a chance to play and when you get that opportunity, you need to grasp it with both hands.
“It’s been great getting game time over the last two matches and to score made the experience complete.”
Joely also had words for the 2,200 Northern Ireland fans who got behind the team and cheered them to victory, insisting: “They mean everything to us. They are behind us from minute one to 90, even when our backs are to the wall they give us a boost, we hear them and it is good to give them something to cheer about.
“We can’t thank them enough.”
Tanya Oxtoby’s team had already secured a place in the play-offs for Women’s Euro 2025 by defeating Malta 2-0 away on Friday, however Tuesday’s win means they could be seeded for the first instalment of two rounds of play-offs.
The draw for those play-offs is being held at UEFA headquarters in Nyon on Friday.
PICTURES: EPHY McCONNELL
