Simone Magill scrambles the ball home for Northern Ireland to give them the lead against Albania.

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI

It's a case of so far, so good for Northern Ireland.

Albania haven't had a sight of Maddy Harvey-Clifford in goal and now they have the lead that should force the hosts to try and come out of their half a bit more, which in turn will suit Northern Ireland's pacy front three.

Gail Redmond
Ex-Northern Ireland international on BBC iPlayer

If you're Rachel Furness watching this, you're probably thinking 'I could have had a hat-trick of goals here.'

Northern Ireland lead at the break courtesy of Simone Magill's scrappy goal.

It is no more than they deserved after a dominant first half performance.

Tanya Oxtoby will be pleased with what she has seen from her side so far in this must-win game, but she will want more composure in the final third as they look to add to their lead in the second half.

Demi Vance whips in a deep cross from the left which Laura Rafferty meets but heads straight at Viona Rexhepi.

Northern Ireland are pressing for a second goal before the break during this four minutes of additional time.

Gail Redmond
Ex-Northern Ireland international on BBC iPlayer

It's really the breakthrough goal that Northern Ireland needed.

Sarah McFadden finds Simone Magill with a raking pass and she releases Lauren Wade down the left. Her cross is deflected behind for a corner which Albania eventually clear.

The build-up from Northern Ireland has been great at times, but as has been alluded to, their composure in the final third has deserted them so far.

Gail Redmond
Ex-Northern Ireland international on BBC iPlayer

Northern Ireland are getting real quality chances here, it's just fine margins. It's just in the final third, those final decisions and making better choices.

Northern Ireland are awarded a free-kick in a promising position and Joely Andrews takes it short to Simone Magill, who doesn't connect properly with her shot that drifts off-target.

Another good opportunity is wasted.

Sara Maliqi clears Simone Magill's effort off the line after she hit the post with an early effort.

Gail Redmond
Ex-Northern Ireland international on BBC iPlayer

That's three good chances in the opening 20 minutes and it's been an encouraging start for Northern Ireland, especially in those wide areas, we are looking very dominant.

We might just need a bit more one on one, be willing to take that person on and not cross so early to give a chance for the midfield to come up and support.

Demi Vance whips in a deep cross to Sarah McFadden at the back post after the centre back had stayed up after a corner. She throws herself at the incoming cross, but can't direct her header on target.

Lauren Wade capitalises on a loose header from Lucie Gjini and races to the by-line before cutting the ball back to Joely Andrews.

The Glentoran midfielder looks destined to score from close range, but she takes a touch before shooting, allowing Armela Tukaj to head the ball over the crossbar.

Northern Ireland are getting closer.

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI

Northern Ireland attack down the left. Final ball is cut out and Albania clear. Northern Ireland come again. Repeat.

There's been a bit of a pattern to this one so far as Northern Ireland have Albania pegged back in their own half, but they just can't find that killer pass or clinical touch so far.

Again Marissa Callaghan is at the heart of a promising Northern Ireland move out on the left hand side. She puts in a deep cross, but can't find anyone in the box, much to her frustration as a number of players had made their way into the box.

The pressure from Northern Ireland is building, they have dominated possession so far.

Gail Redmond
Ex-Northern Ireland international on BBC iPlayer

That is fantastic play from Marissa Callaghan to pull wide, you know the quality she has with her left foot and it looked like it was on a plate for Simone Magill, but she just could not get the right connection to make sure it went into the back of the net.

All Northern Ireland's good play has come down the left hand side so far.

Marissa Callaghan delivers another near post cross aiming at finding Simone Magill, but this time Albania clear before it reaches the striker.

Northern Ireland are inches away from opening the scoring.

Marissa Callaghan breaks down the left and plays a teasing ball to the near post. Simone Magill, on the stretch, meets it, but Sara Maliqi clears her effort off the line after it had hit the post.

An encouraging passage of play from Northern Ireland.

It has been a quiet opening to the game, which reflects the atmosphere in the practically empty stadium in Tirana.

Northern Ireland have yet to find their rhythm, although they are pressing high at every opportunity.