Northern Ireland women’s football faced a challenging period. The team went four games without scoring a single goal. Expectations were low before Michael McArdle’s appointment as head coach.
But everything changed during the recent double-header against Malta. McArdle emphasized the need to improve in the final third. His focus paid off as Northern Ireland scored eight goals across two matches.
Six different players found the net against Malta. Keri Halliday celebrated her first two international goals in Lurgan. Ellie Mason, Nat Johnson, and Leyla McFarland also scored their first goals for Northern Ireland.
Two of the goals came from set pieces, while two others resulted from crosses into the box. Four goals were individual efforts, showcasing the team’s newfound attacking depth.
This scoring surge stands in stark contrast to the previous four-game drought. In fact, Northern Ireland scored more goals in these two matches than they did throughout all of 2025.
The immediate effects are clear: increased confidence and momentum for the players involved. The coaching staff will likely build on this success moving forward.
Experts suggest that this shift could signal a turning point for women’s football in Northern Ireland. McArdle’s approach may inspire further development within the team.
Details remain unconfirmed about any long-term strategies following this success. However, players and fans alike are hopeful for what lies ahead.