Northern Ireland were held to a goalless draw by Malta at their opening UEFA Women’s EURO Qualifying League B Group 3 tie at Windsor Park.
Chloe McCarron fired just over the crossbar and Simone Magill had the ball in the back of the net close to half time, but it was controversially ruled out for handball.
Another contentious moment involving Magill saw her go down in the box under a challenge from behind by Alishia Sultana, with no penalty given.
Chole McCarron exchanged passes with Megan Bell before trying her luck from distance and forcing a save from Janice Zuereb.
The draw extended Malta’s long unbeaten run to 13 matches, during which they topped their Nations League group.
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