Seven stars from the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership started in a famous victory for Northern Ireland in Ukraine in the first leg of their Euro 2022 qualifying play-off.
Goals from Rachel Furness and Simone Magill either side of the break secured arguably the best result in the history of the Northern Ireland women's national side to put them within 90 minutes of a place in the finals.
Five Danske Bank Women’s Premiership clubs were represented in Kenny Shiels’ starting XI with Glentoran (through goalkeeper Jackie Burns and midfielder Nadene Caldwell) and Linfield (with veteran defender Ashley Hutton and Rebecca McKenna) having two starters apiece.
Sion Swifts striker Kirsty McGuinness and Crusaders defender Julie Nelson were also instrumental from the start, while Cliftonville’s Marissa Callaghan leading the team out as captain.
The stunning away victory has given Northern Ireland a platform for qualification through to next year’s finals, with the second leg being staged at Seaview on Tuesday.
