Oxtoby praises NI's 'resilience' in late Bosnia-Herzegovina win

Magill's late winner helped Northern Ireland come from behind to pick up their first win in the group

Northern Ireland boss Tanya Oxtoby said that her side showed "resilience and belief" as they scored two late goals to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-2 at Inver Park.

The hosts led through Brenna McPartlan's early header after a dominant first half display, before they fell behind early in the second half as the Bosnians scored two quickfire goals.

Captain Simone Magill then netted a late double as Oxtoby's side picked up their first win in this Nations League campaign and the manager was relieved with the victory.

"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.

"The belief that they were going to get something out of it was key for me, that is hard to coach. You have it or you don't with the characters in your team and we do."

Bosnia-Herzegovina goals were 'preventable'

Despite praising Northern Ireland's character to fight back and win, Oxtoby admitted she was frustrated that they had to do so.

NI squandered a host of chances to add to their lead in the first half and were made to pay less than 60 seconds into the second half.

Emina Ekic raced from her own half, unchallenged to slot home an equaliser and just three minutes later, Marija Milinkovic fired home a superb 20-yard effort off the post after Rachel Dugdale's clearance fell to the midfielder on the edge of the area.

"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.

"I thought we would get something from the game, so to take all three points is pleasing."

'You want those chances to fall to her'

Magill has now scored 27 goals for Northern Ireland after her late double at Inver Park

The Australian also highlighted the impact of Birmingham City duo Ellie Mason and captain Magill, who combined for both the late goals.

Magill headed beyond Almina Hodzick after meeting Mason's lofted pass on 89 minutes and the pair linked up again with the skipper finishing into the far corner to secure the win.

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

"If there is anyone in the box you want those chances to fall to, then it's her."

Mason was handed a start after impressing off the bench in Friday night's 2-0 defeat against Poland in Gdansk.

"Ellie has had to bide her time to get into the squad, she did really well against Poland when she came on and earned her start and I thought she was excellent.

"Fair play to her, you want to grab your opportunity with both hands and she has done that."