Spirited Malta fall to fourth straight defeat in women’s World Cup qualifiers

MALTA​​​ 2-4 NORTHERN IRELAND
Farrugia 41, Ayres 80 (M); Mason 40, McPartlan 51, Johnson 69, Mcfarland 72

Referee: Lina Lehtovaara (Finland FA). 
Yellow card: Holloway, Lipman, Howe.
Red card: Holloway (NI) 70.

Malta slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat in their World Cup qualifying campaign, edging closer to relegation to League C.

Despite a noticeably improved performance compared to last Tuesday’s outing, Manuela Tesse’s side were once again punished for their inefficiency in front of goal. 

Northern Ireland, although not at their best, made the most of their limited opportunities, while Malta failed to build on the chances they created.

The result leaves Malta rooted to the bottom of the group, now trailing Northern Ireland by six points with just two matches remaining, making a return to League C increasingly likely.

Malta will conclude their campaign in June with fixtures against Türkiye and Switzerland. Captain Emma Lipman is set to miss the first of those matches after picking up her second yellow card of the campaign, resulting in a one-match suspension.

For this decisive encounter, coach Manuela Tesse opted for several changes to her starting lineup following last Tuesday’s defeat.

The most notable alteration came in goal, where Mġarr’s Giulia D’Antuono made way for Raisa Costantino, who is currently playing in Italy with Pro Palazzolo in Serie C.

At the back, Alexandra Gatt, who plies her trade with York City, was handed a start at right-back, replacing Maya Lucia of Apollon. 

Further forward, Kailey Willis, now with Venezia in Serie C, was deployed in the number nine role, with Swieqi United’s Jade Flask starting on the bench.

Oceane Grange, who plays in Serie B with Freedom, marked her 10th international appearance for Malta.

Northern Ireland also made an attacking change, with Danielle Maxwell dropping out of the lineup and Leyla Mcfarland of Durham taking her place.

The visitors threatened early from a corner, but Rebecca Holloway’s close-range effort sailed over the bar.

Malta, however, showed clear improvement from the previous outing, starting with greater concentration and discipline while attempting to build play more methodically.

As the half progressed, clear-cut chances were limited, with much of the play concentrated in midfield. Northern Ireland eventually broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Emma Mason rose highest from a corner to head home.

Malta responded immediately. Haley Bugeja saw her effort deflected behind for a corner, and from the resulting set-piece, Maria Farrugia equalised with a composed finish from inside the penalty area.

The hosts nearly completed the turnaround moments later, but Bugeja’s strike was denied by the Northern Ireland goalkeeper, before the visitors ended the half with a long-range effort that drifted over the bar.

Malta’s second half got off to a poor start as Brenna McPartlan struck a first-time effort from the edge of the area, beating goalkeeper Raisa Costantino to restore Northern Ireland’s lead.

The visitors continued to press and looked to extend their advantage, with substitute Danielle Maxwell firing wide of goal.

Malta attempted to respond through Maria Farrugia, who found space inside the area but dragged her effort wide of Burns’ post.

However, Northern Ireland struck again, once more from a corner, as Natalie Johnson rose highest inside the six-yard box to head home their third goal.

Moments later, Northern Ireland were reduced to ten players when Rebecca Holloway was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the visitors added a fourth, with Leyla Mcfarland finishing from close range after beating Costantino.

Casey Howe then came close to further increasing the lead, testing Costantino with a close-range volley, but the Malta goalkeeper reacted well to make the save.

Malta did manage to pull one back with ten minutes remaining, as Leah Ayres fired a direct effort into the back of the net.

Tesse responded by introducing Christa Chetcuti Ganado, the Leicester City U-21 player, who was making her senior debut.

Haley Bugeja had the final attempt of note for Malta, striking from long range, but her effort was comfortably gathered by Burns.