Late double gives Northern Ireland control of Women’s Nations League play-off against Montenegro
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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 next Tuesday (February 27).
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Hide AdMontenegro forward Armisa Kuc had headed over from a corner in the opening minutes before Northern Ireland slowly took control at the Gradski Stadion.
![Northern Ireland’s Lauren Wade celebrates scoring against Montenegro during Friday’s UEFA Women's Nations League play-off at the Gradski Stadion in Podgorica](https://www.newsletter.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmVjYzk1NmRiLTAwNzItNGY4OC1iMDE0LTQ1NzRiMThkYjVlNDo1ODk0N2JlYS05YzdiLTQ0YzYtOWUxYS0wNjE1OTNhZmViNTc=.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65)
![Northern Ireland’s Lauren Wade celebrates scoring against Montenegro during Friday’s UEFA Women's Nations League play-off at the Gradski Stadion in Podgorica](/img/placeholder.png)
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.
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Hide AdThe 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.