Captain Marissa Callaghan was found with a pinpoint cross from Avilla Bergin and coolly finished to ensure they wouldn’t leave empty-handed from their two friendlies.
Head Coach Alfie Wylie made three changes from the starting line-up that lost last time out with Lauren Wade, Ciara Sherwood and Bergin replacing Kirsty McGuinness, Laura Rafferty and Caragh Miligan.
As early as the 4th minute, Jackie Burns pulled off a point blank save and once again was called into action to stop Andreia Norton.
Northern Ireland’s first chance came in the 19th minute with Kerry Montgomery lashing a shot over from just outside the area.
Both sides were patient in waiting for an opportunity to pounce but it was a stalemate as the half time whistle went.
Portugal Captain Claudia Neto upped the tempo for Portugal as she latched onto a defensive mix-up but Burns saved the effort down low.
Neto would go close again just a few minutes later as her free kick from the edge of box just went wide.
Then Montgomery picked up the ball in midfield and played in Bergin, who crossed for Callaghan to put it into the bottom corner.
Northern Ireland showed their intention to not sit back as Wylie introduced three forwards.
Portugal would press but Jessica Foy and Ashley Hutton both put in brave tackles to keep the hosts at bay.
It clearly meant more than just a friendly victory for the Irish, whose bench ran onto the pitch with arms aloft at the final whistle.
Source / photo – irishfa.com
