Match Report
The table read 4th (Northern Ireland W, 0 pts) against 1st (England W, 9 pts), 9 points apart. The last five rounds placed Northern Ireland W no better than 15th for form, against 4th in the standings. Scoring rates set the scale: Northern Ireland W 0.33 scored and 3.67 conceded per game, England W 4.67 and 0, with the league averaging 1.63.
Northern Ireland W had been beaten in five straight games. Momentum sat with England W, winners of their last nine, having scored in 9 consecutive games. Over the last five, Northern Ireland W had taken 0 of 15 points to England W's 15.
St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton, capacity 32,384, hosted the game. Half-time and full-time told different stories: England W led 2-0 at the break, before 3 more goals closed it at 0-5.




