2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup – European Qualifying – Group B2
Mourneview Park, Lurgan | 14 April 2026

Northern Ireland 4 – 0 Malta
(Half-time: 2–0)

Scorers:
5’ Keri Halliday, 17’ Joely Andrews, 52’ Keri Halliday, 60’ Danielle Maxwell

Malta suffered a 4–0 defeat away to Northern Ireland on Tuesday evening, with the hosts striking early in both halves to secure a convincing win at Mourneview Park.

Northern Ireland took the lead after just five minutes when a cross from the right found Keri Halliday, who finished from close range. The hosts maintained their strong start and doubled their advantage in the 17th minute, as Joely Andrews connected with another cross and guided the ball past Giulia D’Antuono.

Malta looked to respond and came close in the 22nd minute when Rachel Cuschieri met a cut-back inside the area, but her effort was blocked. D’Antuono was called into action again in the 33rd minute, saving from Megan Bell after a defensive lapse, while Halliday’s follow-up attempt was blocked.

Northern Ireland continued to threaten, and in the 42nd minute Lauren Wade fired narrowly over the bar after reacting to a loose ball from a corner.

The home side extended their lead early in the second half. In the 52nd minute, Halliday weaved past defenders before curling a shot into the near post to make it 3–0.

Malta nearly pulled one back in the 59th minute when Haley Bugeja met a long pass and cut inside the area, but her effort was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Jacqueline Burns. Moments later, Northern Ireland capitalised at the other end, with Danielle Maxwell lifting the ball over D’Antuono to make it 4–0.

Malta continued to push forward in search of a goal. Maria Farrugia came close in the 62nd minute with a powerful strike that was again tipped onto the bar by Burns. Farrugia also had a free-kick opportunity in the 66th minute, but her effort narrowly missed the target.

Despite their efforts, Malta were unable to break through, and the match ended 4–0 in favour of Northern Ireland.

The two sides will meet again on Saturday 18 April, with Malta hosting Northern Ireland at the Centenary Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00.

Northern Ireland:
Jacqueline Burns (GK), Rebecca McKenna (C), Natalie Johnson, Brenna McPartlan (Aimee Kerr 83’), Ellie Mason, Megan Bell, Keri Halliday (Caragh Hamilton 83’), Danielle Maxwell (Casey Howe 61’), Lauren Wade (Cora Chambers 71’), Rebecca Holloway, Joely Andrews
Coach: Michael McArdle

Malta:
Giulia D’Antuono (GK), Emma Lipman (C), Oceane Grange, Rachel Cuschieri (Jana Barbara 77’), Maria Farrugia, Jade Flask (Leah Ayres 69’), Maya Lucia (Alexandra Gatt 62’), Shona Zammit, Brenda Borg, Nicole Sciberras (Kailey Willis 62’), Haley Bugeja
Coach: Manuela Tesse

Referee: Katarzyna Lisiecka-Sęk (Poland)