We and our partners use technology, such as cookies, and collect data to provide you with the very best internet experience and to personalise the content and advertisements exhibited for you.
Please let us know whether you agree.
By Michael Pearlman
BBC Sport Wales in Rodney Parade
Ashley Hutton’s injury-time header gave Northern Ireland a draw to dent Wales’ Women’s Euro 2021 qualifying expects.
Simone Magill’s header put the visitors as they impressed in the Group C match.
Wales levelled when Angharad James’ shot deflected in off Emma Jones, before Kayleigh Green’s firm header appeared to have won it on Wales.
Marissa Callaghan struck against the crossbar by goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan enabled Hutton to go home.
The two sides came to this competition after opening their efforts Wales, at Group C together with scorelines of all 6-0.
Nevertheless, you would not have known which side headed based on a first half, at which the visitors that were if anything had been the better side.
The teams are separated by 27 areas in the world rankings but Northern Ireland began impressively in Wales, producing decent opportunities and pinning Jayne Ludlow’s side .
A mistake by the Wales defence allowed Lauren Wade a run at goal, but her shooter was repelled by O’Sullivan smothered the ball.
Wales’ last campaign saw them keep seven clean sheets in eight matches, but they were breached after 10 minutes as they failed to clean a set-piece allowing Magill to calmly head house.
The home side struggled to create chances in the first period but by their first serious effort they levelled, although fortune played a key role as James’ shot off the back of Jones into wrong-foot goalkeeper Emma Higgins.
The goal sparked as they ended the half Wales and ruler Sophie Ingle led wide.
Northern Ireland again started after the period and an excellent team move started by Demi Vance culminated in her blasting over.
This was a moment as from Wales’ next big chance together with Rhiannon Roberts delivering a pinpoint cross that Green headed home and popping up in assault.
Kenny Shiels’ side did not give up and so were close to equalising when substitute Callaghan rattled the crossbar from 25 yards with a small deflection, with Wales scrambling the rebound clear.
Wales endured a calamity that was stoppage-time, although it seemed like it’d be enough to secure a win.
Goalscorer Green gave off a free-kick by which man O’Sullivan dropped the ball under pressure, available together with Hutton to head home.
Read more: footballleagueworld.com