Narrow loss for Northern Ireland Women against Portugal | OneFootball

Northern Ireland’s Lauren Wade scores against Portugal. (Photo: Ephy McConnell)

Northern Ireland responded to Friday’s 4-0 UEFA Women’s Euro Qualifying defeat in Portugal with an early goal but went down 2-1 in Lurgan.

Tanya Oxtoby’s side took the lead after only five minutes against a team 25 places above them in the world rankings, Simone Magill squaring for Lauren Wade to slide the ball into the net.

Joely Andrews had a shot blocked before Portugal drew level on 18 minutes, Lucia Alves crossing for Kika Nazareth to head into the bottom corner.

Northern Ireland’s Rebecca McKenna and Jessica Silva of Portugal. (Bob Hall Sports Photography)

Burns marked her 50th cap with a fine save in turning a Nazareth drive over the crossbar but was beaten a couple of minutes later, Andreia Norton clipping the ball over her.

Northern Ireland are two points behind second-placed Bosnia and Herzegovina in the table, with two games to go next month.

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