Page 19 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.22 2021-22

Northern Ireland win opening friendly

Northern Ireland 3 Faroe Islands 1
Northern Ireland senior women’s team kicked off a triple-header of friendly matches with a 3-1 win
over Faroe Islands in Spain on Wednesday afternoon.
Goals from Sam Kelly, Sarah McFadden and a beautiful strike from Chloe McCarron were the
attacking highlights of a dominant display.
It was Kenny Shiels' side's first game since back-to-back FIFA World Cup qualifying wins over
North Macedonia late last year and the beginning of what promises to be a memorable 2022.
Shiels gave a start to Rangers star Megan Bell - her first for her country in almost two years -
and used all twelve substitutes available to him.
The match at the Marbella Football Center got off to a flying start when Kelly put the girls in
green and white in front when she guided her close range strike in off the post after six minutes. It
was the Glentoran Women's midfielder's first goal in a Northern Ireland shirt at senior women's level.
That’s how it stayed until the 40th minute when McFadden - a one-time forward on the
international stage - found the net when she applied a neat finish from Kirsty McGuinness' low cross
to double the advantage.
On the stroke of half-time Chloe McCarron made it 3-0 with a sensational strike across goal
and into the top corner from 25 yards.
The Faroes, who Northern Ireland defeated home and away in UEFA Women's Euro
qualifying, crept back into the game midway through the second session benefiting from a mix-up
which culminated in a Lauren Wade own goal.
Northern Ireland are back in action on Sunday when they face Switzerland at the same venue
(kick off 11am).
Northern Ireland: Jackie Burns (sub Rebecca Flaherty 60mins), Abbie Magee (sub Laura
Rafferty 45mins), Sarah McFadden (sub Rebecca Holloway 45mins), Demi Vance (sub Rebecca
McKenna 45mins), Chloe McCarron (sub Kerry Beattie 60mins), Nadene Caldwell (sub Joely
Andrews 60mins), Sam Kelly (sub Marissa Callaghan 33mins), Megan Bell (sub Danielle Maxwell
30mins (sub Lauren Wade 60mins)), Rachel Furness (sub Kelsie Burrows 45mins), Simone Magill
(sub Caitlin McGuinness 60mins), Kirsty McGuinness (sub Emily Wilson 60mins).
(irishfa.com)
Female referee development event

The Staffordshire FA are hosting a female-only Referee Development event split between County
HQ and the Ladies Challenge Cup final at Stafford Town.
The evening will entail a meet-and-greet at Staffordshire FA HQ and a short workshop before
heading over to Stafford Town to watch the Ladies Challenge Cup final.
This an opportunity to feedback and help improve support for Staffordshire match officials,
whilst enjoying an evening celebrating female football within the county.
Event details: Tuesday 12th April 2022, 6pm - 10pm
6.00-6.15pm Meet & greet at Staffordshire FA HQ
6.15-7.10pm Referee development workshop & feedback
7.10pm Referees depart for Stafford Town FC (own transport)
7.30pm Arrive at Stafford Town
Location details: Staffordshire FA HQ, Dyson Court, Staffordshire Technology Park,
Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0LQ. Also Stafford Town FC - Evans Park, Riverway, Stafford ST16 3TL
All attendees will receive free tickets to the cup final and will need to transfer themselves
between Staffordshire FA HQ & Stafford Town FC.
Refreshments will be supplied at Staffordshire FA HQ to all Participants and parents who
support and attend.
Under 18 Officials will need to be accompanied by an Adult for the event who will also have
access to tickets.
(Source: www.staffordshirefa.com)
Issue no. 22 - 17 February 2022 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk