Page 30 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.29 2022-23

Further opportunities came midway through the first half with Ellie-Mae Dickson forcing
Spahiu to get down low to deal with an effort from the left edge of the box while, moments later, a
wayward pass by Kosovo's Riga Kallaba saw Spahiu scramble to make a sprawling clearance as
Reilly looked poised to pounce.
However, on 28 minutes, the deadlock was broken somewhat against the run of the play after
an Elma Kadriu corner from the right was knocked home by Gresa Berisha from just outside the six
yard box.
Northern Ireland almost levelled 10 minutes later, but Sienna Leckey's turn and shot at the
near post was well kept out as was Rhyleigh Marks' follow up.
kipper Aoibhe O'Neill might have found the net early in the second half with a header from
inside the area after connecting with a free kick.
Northern Ireland got their deserved equaliser on 57 minutes. Naomi McLaughlin touched a
short corner on to Dickson who duly sent the ball over from the right for Neal to meet it and score
with a downward header from the edge of the box.
Encouraged by this, Northern Ireland went in search of a second goal and almost grabbed it
on 69 minutes only for Spahiu to gather a Leckey effort at the second attempt from a Mikayla
Wildgoose through ball.
Then, with seven minutes remaining, the second goal did arrive after a defence splitting
O'Neill ball saw substitute Keri Halliday run through to beat Spahiu with a composed right foot
finish.
Kosovo might have snatched a late equaliser when Floriana Haxihu sent an 89th minute
dipping effort on to the bar from distance. However, two minutes into stoppage time, the game was
put to bed when Halliday knocked home her second of the afternoon to secure the win for Northern
Ireland with a stunning finish from the right edge of the area after Helen Parker had laid the ball off.
The result meant Northern Ireland, who won two and lost one in B3, topped the group with a
superior goal difference to Kosovo, who also won two matches in the four-team tournament.
Cyprus, who defeated Northern Ireland on matchday two, could have topped the group had they
defeated Latvia this afternoon, however they lost 1-0 at Solitude.
Northern Ireland are now promoted to League A for stage one of the WU19 Euro 2024
qualifiers.
(irishfa.com)

Gloucestershire League
Bitton Ladies are through to the Final of the Gordon Perrett League Cup, where they will play
Cirencester Town. Abbie Woodley-Marshall netted a brace to put them two ahead in their semi
final with Cheltenham Civil Service, who pulled one back through Jessica Brown. Edie Hopton
restored the two-goal advantage and although Brown netted a second from the penalty spot in
injury time, there was no more time for a comeback and Bitton were 3-2 winners.
Gloucester City put themselves in a strong position for a top three finish in Division One
after they defeated Bristol & West 2-1. Rakiya Morgan-King scored both goals for Gloucester,
including an injury time winner, after Lauren Page had put Bristol & West ahead.
AEK Boco Res have returned to the top of Division Two after an eight-goal victory against
City of Gloucester. Shania Powell was on target four times along with Kayleigh Bromiley, Sasha
Ferris, Mariana Miacci and an own goal. Cirencester Town entered the top four with a 6-1 win over
Bradley Stoke, Eden Marsh netting twice with Isla Norton, Lucy Scrannage and Skye Cooper also
on target along with an own goal, and Hollie Shone replying. Lauren Mills (2), Hayley Pitt (2) and
Lucy Skelding accounted for the goals as Longlevens defeated Downend Flyers Res 5-0.
Bristol Ladies Union have made their move in Division Three, pcking up maximum points
from a double header with Downend Flyers A to narrow the gap on leaders Southmead
Community Sport to two points, with the sides due to meet this week. Charlotte Coles (2), Amelia
Pargeter, Amy Watson and Lydia Chamberlain scored the goals as Union won the first meeting 5-0
and the return went their way 7-1, Amber Garton and Evie Wolf each netting twice along with
Jessica Evans, Freya Aston and Kensee Wollen. Ellwood Ladies stayed third after Sarah Smith
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