The midfield trio of skipper Sophie Ingle, James and Fishlock ran the show as Northern Ireland struggled for fluency before a record crowd of 6,831 for a Wales home friendly. Wales were seeking revenge after narrowly losing out to Northern Ireland to play at Euro 2022 before Gemma Grainger took charge of the Dragons. Kenny Shiels had overseen Northern Ireland’s maiden qualification for a major tournament, but the former Kilmarnock and Derry manager’s four-year stay ended in January. McFadden managed a speculative attempt as the first half drew to a close and Caragh Hamilton fired just wide after the restart as Northern Ireland belatedly stirred. But it is Wales who appear in far healthier shape heading into the inaugural Nations League later this year as Northern Ireland’s search for a permanent manager continues.

Source: The Herald April 06, 2023 21:58 UTC