Determined Malta fall to strong Northern Ireland in six-goal encounter

2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup – European Qualifying – Group B2
Centenary Stadium, 18.04.2026

MALTA...2
NORTHERN IRELAND…4
(HT 1-1)

39' Ellie Mason (NIR), 41' Maria Farrugia (MLT), 51' Ellie Mason (NIR), 68' Natalie Johnson (NIR), 71' Megan Bell (NIR), 78' Leah Ayres (NIR)

The Malta Women's National Team succumbed to their second defeat in the week to Northern Ireland, despite the result being rather harsh since for long stretches of the game, it was a relatively balanced encounter. Malta also managed to score twice and could have had more in an action-packed second half.

The Maltese women were looking to bounce back against their disappointing defeat against Northern Ireland earlier this week in this home fixture. Coach Manuela Tesse kept more or less the same formation as in the away match with Maria Farrugia and Haley Bugeja the lynchpins.

Malta started brightly with Haley Bugeja going on a probing run after 8 minutes with her low cross intercepted for a corner. On 15 minutes, Lauren wade headed just wide from a well taken corner as Northern Ireland started getting into the match.

Northern Ireland took the lead from a corner with Ellie Mason outjymping the Maltese defence to head home. But Malta reacted just two minutes later with Maria Farrugia finding the net also from a corner. The locals were desperately unlucky not to take the laed on 44 minutes when Maria Farrugia’s first effort was saved by Burns with Haley Bugeja’s follow up aslo quite brilliantly blocked.

Northern Ireland regained the lead five minutes into the second half with a piledriver by Ellie Mason who let fly from 30 metres. Danielle Maxwell hada good chane to make it 3-1 on 63 minutes but she shot well wide from a good position. Malta reacted with a dipping shot by Maria Farrugia that went just over the bar.

But it was Northern Ireland who went further ahead on 68 minutes with a fine goal by Natalie Johson. Although Rebecca Holloway was sent off for a second yellow card a minute later, Northern Ireland managed to score their fourth on 71 minutes courtesy of Megan Bell.

However Malta did not throw in the towel and reduced the deficit with a well taken goal by Leah Ayres on 78 minutes. Although there were further opportunities for Malta to score, Northern Ireland held on for another win.

Malta
Raisa Constantino, Alexandra Gatt, Emma Lipman, Oceane Grange (Tammy Falzon 76’), Rachel Cuschieri, Kailey Willis (Christa Chetcuti Ganado 81’), Maria Farrugia, Shona Zammit, Brenda Borg, Nicole Sciberras (Leah Ayres 78’), Haley Bugeja

Northern Ireland
Jacqueline Burns, Rebecca McKenna, Natalie Johnson, Brenna McPartlan, Ellie Mason (Laura Rafferty 73’), Megan Bell (Aimee’ Kerr 90+3’), Keri Halliday (Danielle Maxwell 61’), Leyla McFraland (Nadene Caldwell 73’), Lauren Wade (Caragh Hamilton 78’), Rebecca Holloway, Joely Andrews

Referee: Lina Lehtovaara (FIN)

Yellow cards: Rebecca Holloway (NIR), Casey Howe (NIR)
Red card: Rebecca Holloway (NIR)