NI Suffer Dutch Defeat In Euro Qualifiers

Northern Ireland fell at the hands of Ronald Koeman's Dutch side in a European qualifying match in Rotterman on Thursday evening.

Michael O'Neill's men suffered a last minute 3-1 defeat after having taken the lead in the 75th minute with a Josh Magennis header.

As the local side dared to dream, three late goals, two from Memphis Depay, in the final ten minutes secured the win for the Dutch.

The Northern Ireland boss caused a stir before kick-off by naming Kyle Lafferty in the starting line-up whilst recalling Shane Ferguson and Michael Smith at the back.

Scoreless at the break, the team executed O'Neill's game plan perfectly during the opening 45 minutes, frustrating their hosts at every opportunity and restricting them to what amounted to a series of half chances.

Indeed, it took the Netherlands until the 26th minute to craft their first effort on goal when Georginio Wijnaldum saw a left-footed effort blocked while, moments from the break, the same player flicked a header goalbound from Daley Blind's cross by Bailey Peacock-Farrell proved equal to the challenge.

Hopes were high among the green and white army but unfortunately, it wasn't to be. Stung by going behind, the Dutch levelled within five minutes through Olympique Lyonnais man Depay with a stabbed finish past Peacock-Farrell from Malen's cross.

Northern Ireland hearts were broken again in the second minute of stoppage time when Frenkie de Jong volleyed home unmarked at the back post. Then, moments after that, Depay rubbed salt into their wounds with a composed right-foot finish.

For long, long periods it promised to be a night to remember for Northern Ireland but, ultimately, it was an ending we'll want to forget.

Next up is the return game in Belfast on Saturday 16 November.

Water Refill Stations Proposed To Tackle Plastic Usage

Water refill stations across council parks and venues in L'Derry and Strabane have been proposed to tackle the use of single use plastics.

SDLP Ballyarnett Councillor Brian Tierney made the proposal at Derry and Strabane District Council's Environment and Regeneration Committee, highlighting the need to take action and protect the environment before it's too late.

Cllr Tierney said: "Over the course of the next 12 years, we have to take radical action to prevent climate breakdown and ensure that we leave our planet in a condition that will allow our children to thrive. In order to tackle climate change we need a complete culture shift from our reliance on fossil fuels, single use plastics and one passenger car journeys."

The Ballyarnett representative said the move would reduce single use plastic waste in the district and make it easier for people to live healthier lifestyles.

"It's an easy win for the environment and our health," Cllr Tierney added.

Works Underway To Replace Damaged L'Derry Bridge

A project has been launched to replace a damaged bridge in Craigbane, Co L'Derry.

Glenrandel Bridge near Park village was hit with floods in August 2017, leaving it beyond repair.

Work has begun to replace the structure after the necessary funding was acquired.

Local Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed the milestone, following two years of "inconvenience".

The local community has also thrown its support behind the scheme.



(JG/CM)