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Kascie goal gives Northern Ireland victory

Northern Ireland 1 (Weir 8)

Romania 0  

Northern Ireland secured a hard fought 1-0 victory over Romania in a UEFA Women’s Nations League encounter at the National

Football Stadium at Windsor Park.

An early goal from 18-year-old striker Kascie Weir proved decisive as Tanya Oxtoby’s side claimed three valuable points.

Northern Ireland made four changes to the lineup that drew 1-1 with Romania in Bucharest the previous Friday. Caragh Hamilton, earning her 50th cap and named captain for the night, joined Nadene Caldwell, Keri Halliday, and Kascie Weir in the starting XI, replacing Rachel Dugdale, Megan Bell, Danielle Maxwell, and Lauren Wade. Romania, meanwhile, opted for continuity, making just one alteration as Ioana Balaceanu came in for Carmen Marcu in midfield.

Northern Ireland wasted no time asserting themselves, taking the lead in the eighth minute. Brenna McPartlan’s precise pass released Halliday down the right, and her low cross was calmly finished by Weir for her first senior international goal. The hosts dominated the early exchanges and maintained their momentum throughout.

Romania’s first opportunity came when defender Ana Maria Stanciu headed wide from a deflected free kick, but Northern Ireland looked the more threatening side. Halliday, Simone Magill, and Weir consistently tested the Romanian defence, with Joely Andrews and Hamilton providing support. A flurry of corners kept Romania under pressure, though goalkeeper Andreea Paraluta handled most deliveries competently, albeit with occasional uncertainty.

Ellie Mason tried her luck from distance but sent her effort wide, while Northern Ireland’s defence stood firm late in the first half. On 41 minutes, goalkeeper Jackie Burns punched clear a Stefania Vatafu free kick but was caught in a collision. Romania captain Florentina Olar pounced on the loose ball, only for Mason to make a vital goal-line clearance. Burns was called into action again before the break, tipping over a fierce shot from Olar.

The second half saw Northern Ireland continue their attacking intent. Rebecca McKenna had a shot blocked, and Mason forced Paraluta into a save from a powerful effort. Weir nearly set up Magill, but the striker couldn’t connect in a promising position. Romania responded with Cristina Carp firing a shot straight at Burns after capitalising on a loose ball.

Northern Ireland pressed for a second goal, with McPartlan firing over and substitute Connie Scofield seeing a shot blocked. Mason delivered another dangerous ball, which Paraluta punched clear, before Scofield tested the keeper with a stinging drive in the 81st minute. Late substitutes Natalie Johnson and Danielle Maxwell also went close, with Johnson’s effort headed away by Stanciu and Maxwell’s shot blocked.

In injury time, Romania’s Mihaela Ciolacu, who scored in Friday’s draw, broke through but was denied by Burns’ sharp save. Northern Ireland’s Lauren Wade had the final say, her snapshot parried by Paraluta as the game ended 1-0.

The win keeps Northern Ireland in second place in League B Group 1 with seven points from four matches. Poland lead with 10 points after a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina (four points), while Romania remain bottom with one point.

Northern Ireland: Jackie Burns, Rebecca McKenna, Rebecca Holloway, Ellie Mason, Nadene Caldwell, Brenna McPartlan, Caragh Hamilton (sub Natalie Johnson 61mins), Joely Andrews (sub Lauren Wade 90mins), Simone Magill, Keri Halliday (sub Connie Scofield 61mins), Kascie Weir (sub Danielle Maxwell 74mins). Subs not used: Rachael Norney, Maddy Harvey-Clifford, Rachel Furness, Kelsie Burrows, Aimee Kerr, Louise McDaniel, Emily Wilson, Abi Sweetlove.

  

Romania: Andreea Paraluta, Teodora Nicoara, Erika Gered, Ana Maria Stanciu, Maria Ficzay, Florentina Olar (sub Olga Iordachiusi 64mins), Ioana Balaceanu, Ioana Bortan (sub Carmen Marcu 75mins), Cristina Carp (sub Adina Borodi 75mins), Stefania Vatafu, Mihaela Ciolacu. Subs not used: Camelia Ceasar, Reka Tanko, Sonia Bumbar, Elena Vasile, Andrea Herczeg, Anita Kis, Claudia Bistrian, Antonia Bratu, Anita Antal.