Oxtoby praises NI’s ‘resilience’ in late Bosnia-Herzegovina win

With two late goals to defeat Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-2 at Inver Park, Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby praised her side for showing “resilience and belief.”

After a strong first half, the hosts had a lead through Brenna McPartlan’s early header before the Bosnians scored two quickfire goals to put them in front.

The manager was relieved to have won the Nations League after Captain Simone Magill scored a late double as Oxtoby’s side won their first game of the campaign.

“The players showed it]resilience] in abundance, they didn’t panic, they thought ‘ okay we have business to do now, ‘ we dug a hole for ourselves, and we needed to get out of it”, said Oxtoby.

Oxtoby admitted she was frustrated that they had to do so despite praising Northern Ireland’s ability to fight back and win.

NI wasted numerous opportunities to increase their lead in the first half before being forced to concede just 60 seconds later.

After Rachel Dugdale’s clearance fell to the midfielder on the edge of the area, Emina Ekic ran from her own half, unchallenged, to score an equalizer, and just three minutes later, Marija Milinkovic fired home a superb 20-yard effort off the post.

“I’m disappointed that we were even in that position]falling behind], I thought we were in complete control of the game, and we were the architects of our own downfall”, added Oxtoby.

“The goalkeeper made some good saves, but the game should have been done at half-time.

” The players are disappointed, the second one is great strike, there is no doubt about it, but both of the goals are preventable.

Ellie Mason and captain Magill, who both contributed to the late goals, were also praised by the Australian for their impact.

After meeting Mason’s lofted pass in the closing minutes, Magill and Hodzick connected once more, with the skipper finishing in the far corner.

“We pushed Simeone further forward as the game went on, we know what she brings”, Oxtoby explained.

She is the person you want those chances to fall to if there is anyone in the box.

After impressing off the bench against Poland in Gdansk on Friday night, Mason was given a starting spot.

“Ellie has fought her time to make it in the squad, and I thought she was outstanding when she started against Poland.”