McArdle praises NI's 'intent' in big win over Malta

McArdle got his reign as Northern Ireland manager up and running with an emphatic win Northern Ireland boss Michael McArdle praised the "intent" his side showed in his first game in charge as they eased to a 4-0 win over Malta in World Cup qualifying. A double from Keri Halliday as well as goals from Joely Andrews and Danielle Maxwell helped NI to end a four-game goal drought as they also recorded a first clean sheet since April last year. A front-footed display was key in their first victory in Group B2 and having talked about the need to be more of an attacking threat in the build-up to the game, McArdle was pleased with what he saw at Mourneview Park.

"There was intent. We have worked very hard and the girls have been focused in training not to just create the opportunities but to finish them as well," he told BBC Sport NI. "The mentality was there tonight.

It shows if you can unlock that bravery and be on the front foot more often, you can be rewarded. "There's parts of the performance are really exciting and there are others we have to be a bit more realistic that we have to get better at. " NI end winless run against Malta in McArdle's first match McArdle was appointed in March but only got a few days to work with the players this month before the first of the double-header against Malta.

He said he has "loved" his fast-paced start to the role and is hoping NI replicate their performance in Lurgan in Ta'Qali on Saturday as they look to pick up another vital three points in their quest to qualify for a first ever World Cup. "It's half-time, but it gives us a chance. There were moments where Malta showed how difficult they can be and they could have punished us," he added.