Womens Premiership

LOCAL STARS HELP NORTHERN IRELAND END CAMPAIGN ON A HIGH

06 Sep 2022
football
© William Cherry/PressEye Caragh Hamilton celebrates Northern Ireland's third goal

Ten Danske Bank Women's Premiership stars helped Northern Ireland record a 3-1 victory away in Latvia to end their World Cup qualification campaign with a win.

While Kenny Shiels' side did not qualify for the finals, their 19 group stage points was an impressive return to finish in third spot behind England and Austria.

Six local players started the game as Cliftonville Ladies trio Marissa Callaghan, Toni-Leigh Finnegan and Caitlin McGuinness were joined by Glentoran Women duo Caragh Hamilton and Nadene Caldwell along with Crusaders Strikers forward Emily Wilson.

Glens forward Kerry Beattie and midfielder Chloe McCarron were second half substitutes along with Kirsty McGuinness and Abbie Magee, both of league leaders Cliftonville.

Three own goals from Latvia won the game for the visitors, who finished the campaign with back-to-back victories having won in Luxembourg on Friday.