Michelle says: “That was my first Northern Ireland’s women’s match – and I clearly picked a good one, so thanks to the IFA for the invite! It was a privilege to be present for what by all accounts was the girls in green’s greatest victory, against a team ranked some 52 places higher in the world, and I would like to congratulate manager Alfie Wylie and his heroic players”.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the game and, although as a Northern Ireland supporter it got quite tense when Norway got the goal back, the team showed real character and the third goal allowed us to breathe a little easier!”
“I was impressed not only by the warm reception received but the whole new experience of women’s international football – it was an exciting game and an absorbing spectacle and Northern Ireland thoroughly deserved their victory”.
“Ashley Hutton and her team must be commended for their skill, commitment, fitness and passion which underpinned this heart-warming win – they did us proud. They took their chances and backed that up with real never-say-die defending”.
“As a regular at Northern Ireland’s men’s matches, I experienced the same sense of patriotic pride on Saturday evening as on some of the famous nights at Windsor Park over the past few years when higher-ranked teams have been beaten by the home side”.
“When you see players in green shirts playing with such pride and determination, and achieving a famous victory, the feeling is exactly the same regardless of their gender”.
“I’ll certainly be back at another Northern Ireland women’s match and would encourage others to come along and experience this form of international football first hand”.
“Meantime, my best wishes to Alfie, Ashley and the team as they seek to build on the Norway win, in Hungary on Wednesday night.”
By Richard Bullick
