Northern Ireland returned to winning form with a 4-0 victory over Malta in their Women's World Cup qualifier at Mourneview Park. Keri Halliday scored twice, with Joely Andrews and Danielle Maxwell also on target in Michael McArdle's first match as manager.
The home side made a quick start and led after five minutes. Megan Bell found Maxwell on the right, and her delivery reached Halliday inside the six-yard area. The forward finished the move to register her first senior international goal.
Halliday then created the second in the 17th minute. Her cross from the left was met by Andrews, whose header gave Malta goalkeeper Giulia D'Antuono little chance and rewarded Northern Ireland's control of the opening period.
Malta attempted to respond through Maria Farrugia and Rachel Cuschieri, but Northern Ireland continued to create the clearer openings. Bell and Ellie Mason both threatened before the interval, while the home defence protected Jackie Burns in goal.
Halliday added her second seven minutes into the second half. Mason released her on the left and she moved inside before driving a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the immediate goalmouth.
Malta came close to reducing the deficit when Haley Bugeja's curling effort was turned on to the crossbar by Burns. The save preserved the clean sheet and Northern Ireland soon extended their lead at the other end.
Bell won possession and lifted a pass beyond the Malta defence for Maxwell in the 60th minute. The attacker advanced and sent a measured finish over the goalkeeper to complete the scoring. Cora Chambers later entered the match for her senior international debut.
The result delivered Northern Ireland's first points in League B Group 2 after defeats in their opening qualifiers. They travel to Malta for the return fixture on Saturday with an opportunity to build momentum in the campaign.
