Tuesday evening saw Northern Ireland Women host the Lionesses at a sold-out Windsor Park. In front of a crowd of sixteen thousand spectators, including a handful of fans who made the journey to follow the visitors. With eyes set on world cup qualification.
Staring the match was an impressive defensive block from Sarah McFadden on ten minutes. Following a fiery opening period from the host, who immediately went searching for an opening goal. Hopeful of upsetting their visitors. Who went into the game having convincingly dispatched of North Macedonia only a few days before. Staying solid at the back, Northern Ireland kept England out once more ten minutes later. This time coming closer to conceding. Leaving the score goalless in the initial exchanges. Giving spectators an end-to-end affair to watch. However, the deadlock was almost broken three minutes later. When Ellen White put in the ball in the back of the net. Officials waving for offside to rule away the goal. At the second time of asking the guest were officially in front. Lauren Hemp converting at the far post, with a looping shot from close range. Seeing the evenings travelling team go into the break ahead.
When play resumed, it was Ella Toone who had the first chance. Making it two goals to the Lionesses on the night. Firing in from close range, succeeding a ball crossed into the box from wide. Before Northern Ireland had their next opportunity. As Lauren Wade had an optimistic effort end up in comfortable control for Mary Eaps. Doubling her tally for the tie, Lauren Hemp added a third goal. Rounding the home sides keeper in excellent fashion. Having picked up the ball just outside the box. A fourth followed through Georgia Stanway soon after. Tapping home from close range, thanks to Ella Toone laying off a go at goal. Completing the scoring Stanway got her second. Creeping in England’s fifth, latching on to a loose ball within the area. Sealing the victory of five goals to nil.
In conclusion England walked away dominant winners. Withstanding a determined Northern Ireland, before opening the floodgate of goals. Georgia Stanway and Lauren Hemp grabbing two each. Ella Toone with the other contribution.
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