NI end winless run against Malta in McArdle's first match

Michael McArdle's tenure as Northern Ireland manager began with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Malta in a Women's World Cup qualifier at Mourneview Park on Tuesday.

Keri Halliday ended Northern Ireland's four-game goal drought in the opening five minutes before Joely Andrews doubled their lead.

Halliday netted once again in the second half with Danielle Maxwell adding a fourth for the impressive home side.

The result means that McArdle becomes the first manager in Northern Ireland's past five who have won their opening match and ends the team's six-match stint without a win.

Confident Northern Ireland dominate

It was the perfect start to the game for Northern Ireland, who opened the scoring through their first chance of the game in the fifth minute when Halliday's close-range shot took a deflection and found the bottom corner.

Megan Bell's corner was then palmed to safety by Giulia D'Antuono, who was the much busier keeper in Lurgan.

Halliday turned provider in the 18th minute when her cross was headed home by Andrews to double Northern Ireland's advantage.

Malta attempted to halve the home side's lead through Maria Farrugia's shot, but Rebecca Holloway blocked the effort.

As the half-time whistle approached, Ellie Mason and Lauren Wade sent efforts narrowly off target.

Northern Ireland started the second half with similar intent with Halliday netting her second of the evening on 52 minutes when D'Antuono was unable to keep her low strike from finding the bottom corner.

Jackie Burns had a quiet evening but made a huge save to palm Haley Bugeja's on-target shot onto the woodwork.

However, NI didn't let that chance impact their momentum with Megan Bell's well-timed pass finding Maxwell, who lobbed the busy Malta stopper to score on the hour mark.

The closing stages of the match were much quieter as the rain started to pour down at Mourneview.

McArdle made multiple changes in the final 15 minutes, including Cora Chambers coming on for her international debut, but none of his introductions could add a fifth.

Analysis - McArdle makes instant impact

Northern Ireland's 432-minute wait for a goal is finally over thanks to Halliday's effort.

In the build-up to the match, McArdle emphasised the importance of younger players and it is fitting that all the goalscorers were under 25.

Under Tanya Oxtoby, Northern Ireland's style was pragmatic, but there was an instant switch as soon as the match started at Mourneview as they aimed to push forward in numbers.

The early goal not only settled the nerves of both the fans, players and backroom staff but it also let the side play with a bit of breathing space and a sense of freedom.

McArdle will be happy with how all of his side performed during the opening match of the double-header against Malta, but Halliday's performance was certainly one that stood out.

The 21-year-old had not scored for Northern Ireland before tonight but certainly showed her capabilities.

The side miss Simone Magill's goal scoring threat, but the Motherwell loanee could help the side build momentum.

Fans will not get carried away, knowing that Malta are ranked 39 places below them in the world rankings.

However, as Northern Ireland aim to qualify for the World Cup in their sixth attempt this result will certainly help their confidence going into Saturday's must-win match in Malta.