NI women hold on to earn Romania draw
A ROMANIA fightback denied Northern Ireland back-to-back victories at the Turkish Women’s Cup.
Alfie Wylie’s side looked on course for a win when Linfield Ladies ace Megan Bell netted her first senior international goal, but their opponents fought back and forced home an equaliser in the second half.
Northern Ireland had secured an opening 2-0 win against Kazakhstan and this was another assured performance.
The game ended on a sour note with Laura Rafferty picking up a second yellow card but Wylie’s side were able to see out the final ten minutes for the draw.
Midway through the first half Bell (right) slotted home at the second attempt after racing on to a great pass from Rachel Newborough.
After Northern Ireland’s match against Kazakhstan, Romania were expected to provide a tougher test as they are 16 places higher in the World Rankings.
And 16 minutes after the restart they found the net to set up a tense finish. Resolute defending was required after Rafferty’s dismissal but Northern Ireland held on to remain unbeaten in the tournament.
Their next game against Ukraine tomorrow will decide where they will feature in the final round of placement matches.
Northern Ireland will be up against the Netherlands and Norway in World Cup qualifiers in April. Northern Ireland: Burns, Newborough, Hutton, Holdaway, Foy, Rafferty, McFadden, Sherwood, Callaghan (c), Bell, McGuinness. Subs used: Wade, Lindsay, McMaster. TRIBUTES have poured in for one of the many unsung heroes of Irish League football, Fred Jardine, who has passed away at the age of 94.
Freddie will be remembered for the long and dedicated service he gave to Cliftonville, performing numerous roles during an association with the club that stretched back 73 years.
The many tributes from friends and players underline the huge affection for the real Solitude legend (right).
Reds chairman Gerard Lawlor said: “Freddie was synonymous with Cliftonville FC and his loss has left us devastated. The fact is, nobody at this football club can remember a time before Freddie — he was always here, always working, always dedicated and always open and available for a quick chat, a joke or a discussion about the latest match.
“He loved Cliftonville and Cliftonville loved him. The two have been one and the same for almost three quarters of a century and I know that, in addition to myself, the board, our players and supporters, there will be countless people from generation after generation who will be deeply saddened to hear that Freddie is no longer with us.”
The Physiotherapy Suite at Solitude is named in Freddie’s honour.
Former Cliftonville player and current Carrick boss David McAlinden said: “I can’t put into words how I felt when I heard the news this morning.
“The man was someone I truly looked up to and had so much respect for.
“Sharing a hug in Dinaburg with tears in our eyes will never leave me. Rest in peace Freddie Jardine.”