Northern Ireland played host to Poland on Saturday in the World Cup Qualifiers with both teams looking for all 3 points in this Group 4 match. On a cold afternoon at Mourneview Park, both teams were only getting into the game when Patrycja Pozerska fired the ball past Emma Higgins into the back of the net, much to the delight of the vociferous Polish fans in the far side of the stand.
Northern Ireland had a few shots on goal but with some great blocks by the Polish goalkeeper the game remained one nil until the referee pointed to the penalty spot on the 29th minute after Winczo was fouled by Aimee Mackin. Pozerska stepped up and scored her second of the game.
Magill and Furness both had attempts before half time but the home side just couldn’t find the back of the net.
The second half started a bit better for Northern Ireland as they worked hard and created chances. The home fans were getting more and more frustrated with decisions given against them and that was to continue when the referee awarded another soft penalty to Poland on the 60th minute.
Nicole Krzysik stepped up this time but her strike hit the woodwork and Northern Ireland were saved from going 3 down. The Polish fans continued to sing and jump up and down cheering on their team but there wasn’t much for the home fans to cheer about.
With a few decent shots on goal for Nothern Ireland later on in the second half Magdalena Szaj made sure she secured all 3 points by making it 3 nil to Poland in the closing minutes of the game. Northern Ireland worked hard but with just one point in 3 games they will be looking to improve in the qualifying games in 2014.
No comments:
Post a Comment