Payne plays her part in vital victory for Ireland
Heather Payne was part of the Ireland team which claimed an important victory over Finland in their 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier in Helsinki last night (Tuesday).
The hosts had moved this fixture to their Olympic Stadium as part of 50-year celebrations of women's football, but goals from Megan Connolly and Denise O'Sullivan spoiled their evening.
And Ballinasloe native Payne was involved in setting up the winning goal, scored by O’Sullivan.
After Finland struck for an equaliser to make it 1-1, it took Ireland just four minutes to respond as Payne raced down the right flank and delivered a superb cross that veteran goalkeeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela dropped and O'Sullivan pounced to head in.
Payne, now with Florida State University, earned her 21st Ireland cap against Finland.
This was the second game in Group A for Vera Pauw's team - having narrowly lost 1-0 to Sweden - and they knew that a positive result was required to boost their chances of staying in the mix to reach the World Cup in 2023.
Ireland took control of the game in the early exchanges by pushing Finland back, pressing them high and using the ball well with O'Sullivan linking play effortlessly. And Connolly’s superb curling free-kick on nine minutes opened the scoring.
Finland did have their chances with Linda Sällström and Anna Westerlund going close, while Natalia Kuikka was excellent in her overall play. Yet they rarely troubled Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan.
However, the home team drew level as they took advantage of Katie McCabe being off the pitch with an injury with Adelina Engman netting from close range.
After O’Sullivan put Ireland back in front, McCabe went close with a rasping effort.
Finland piled on the pressure in the final minutes but brave defending and a collective performance saw Ireland collect the three points.
Next up for Pauw's team is a double-header in Tallaght Stadium against Slovakia (November 25) and Georgia (November 30).
Republic of Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Áine O’Gorman, Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn, Savannah McCarthy, Katie McCabe; Megan Connolly, Denise O’Sullivan, Jamie Finn; Lucy Quinn, Heather Payne. Rianna Jarrett for Lucy Quinn (75 mins).
Finland: Tinja-Riika Korpela; Tuija Hyyrynen, Anna Westerlund, Natalia Kuikka, Emma Koivisto; Adelina Engman, Emmi Alanen, Eveliina Summanen, Ria Öling; Sanni Franssi, Linda Sällström. Subs: Essi Sainio for Öling (86 mins); Amanda Rantanan for Sällström (89).
Referee: Alexandra Collin (France).