Crusaders Strikers defender Julie Nelson scored Northern Ireland women’s first ever goal at a major championships as the side fell to a 4-1 defeat against heavily-fancied Norway.

On her 126th international cap – the highest in Northern Ireland’s history – the defender became the oldest ever scorer in the European Championships finals with her headed goal four minutes after the break, and was one of 10 Danske Bank Women’s Premiership stars to feature in the clash.

Nelson was one of six local-based starters alongside Cliftonville Ladies defenders Kelsie Burrows and Abbie Magee, and Glentoran Women trio Nadene Caldwell, Chloe McCarron and Lauren Wade.

Cliftonville Women trio Marissa Callaghan, Kirsty McGuinness and Caitlin McGuinness all came on as second half substitutes, as did Nelson’s Crusaders Strikers teammate Emily Wilson.

Linfield Ladies defender Ashley Hutton, Cliftonville Women winger Louise McDaniel and Glentoran Women’s Joely Andrews did not feature in the game, while former Danske Bank Women’s Premiership stars Demi Vance and Jackie Burns impressed from the start.

Next up for Northern Ireland is a clash against Austria on Monday.