Northern Ireland gain upper hand against Montenegro after Women's Nations League play-off first leg

UEFA Women's Nations League B play-off first leg

Montenegro 0-2 Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland ground out a 2-0 win over Montenegro in the first leg of their Women's Nations League play-off in Podgorica.

Tanya Oxtoby's side finished third in their group of the inaugural tournament and are aiming to retain a place in League B.

After being frustrated for large spells by the hosts, who finished as runners-up in Group C3, Lauren Wade finally made the breakthrough with 20 minutes left and Demi Vance nodded in a second during stoppage time to leave Northern Ireland in a strong position for the return leg at Windsor Park on 27 February.

Montenegro forward Armisa Kuc had headed over from a corner in the opening minutes before Northern Ireland slowly took control at the Gradski Stadion.

Reading forward Wade went close in the 13th minute when her angled left-foot shot was dragged just wide following a swift counter attack.

After a long spell in defensive mode, Montenegro threatened just before the break when Kuc's dipping shot tested Northern Ireland goalkeeper Maddy Harvey-Clifford.

Northern Ireland started the second half brightly, with Wade's low shot from the edge of the penalty area well saved by Montenegro keeper Anastasija Krstovic, who then pushed Vance's long-range effort behind.

The breakthrough finally came with 20 minutes left when Wade headed in a deep cross from Vance out on the left.

In stoppage time, Glentoran defender Vance added what could prove a crucial second goal, nodding in a cross from Rebecca McKenna.

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