Malta’s Under-21 national team suffered a disappointing 4-0 defeat against Northern Ireland in their UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday, with Jack Patterson scoring twice for the visitors.

Despite creating several promising opportunities, Davide Mazzotta’s side were unable to find the net as Northern Ireland scored twice in each half to secure a comfortable victory.

The encounter began cautiously, with both teams attempting to establish control in midfield and pressing high up the pitch.

Malta created their first opportunity after 16 minutes when Lucas Caruana attempted an ambitious lob from the halfway line, but Northern Ireland goalkeeper Stephen McMullan collected comfortably.

Three minutes later, the hosts came close to breaking the deadlock when Benjamin Hili released Brooklyn Borg, whose pass found Shaisen Attard. However, the latter’s effort was deflected before being saved by McMullan.

Northern Ireland threatened through Joshua Briggs, who headed wide following a free-kick, before Malta created another promising opportunity in the 30th minute when Brooklyn Borg fired narrowly over the crossbar.

However, the visitors took the lead just a minute later when Shea Kearney unleashed a powerful shot from the right which struck the post before finding the net.

Northern Ireland doubled their advantage two minutes before half-time following a swift counterattack, with Patterson receiving the ball on the edge of the penalty area and finishing past Malta goalkeeper Karl Sargent.

Trailing 2-0 at the interval, Malta emerged with greater determination in the second half and enjoyed more possession.

Attard came close to reducing the deficit in the 56th minute, firing narrowly wide following a short corner.

However, Northern Ireland extended their advantage in the 63rd minute when Malta failed to clear a corner, allowing Patterson to score his second goal of the evening.

Malta almost pulled a goal back in the 71st minute when substitute Trezeguet Zammit penetrated the visitors’ defence and lifted the ball over McMullan, only for his effort to be cleared off the goal line.

Northern Ireland immediately responded and added a fourth goal two minutes later when Bayley McCann’s cross from the left went directly into the net.

With heavy rain falling at the Centenary Stadium, the visitors comfortably protected their advantage during the closing stages to complete a convincing victory.

Malta will return to action on Wednesday, September 30, when they host Germany at the Centenary Stadium in their final home fixture of the qualifying campaign. Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm.

Match details

UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier

Saturday, September 26, 2026 – Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali

Malta

0

Northern Ireland

4

Half-time: 0-2

Scorers: Shea Kearney (31′), Jack Patterson (43′, 63′), Bayley McCann (73′).

Malta: Karl Sargent; Mattias Ellul, Jake Vassallo, Andrew Borg (Daniel Letherby 82′), Shaisen Attard (Kai Bartolo 70′), Lucas Caruana, Isaiah Chukunyere (Alfie Bridgman 70′), Brooklyn Borg (Trezeguet Zammit 46′), Nathan Cross, Kaiden Fenech (Bjorn Buhagiar 70′), Benjamin Hili.

Coach: Davide Mazzotta.

Northern Ireland: Stephen McMullan; Shea Kearney, Jack Patterson (Ryan Donnelly 78′), Joshua Briggs, Cole Brannigan (Callum Burnside 65′), James Simpson, Makenzie Kirk (Devlan Moses 78′), Eoin Kenny (Kalum Thompson 78′), Conor Barr, Sam Inwood (Conor Haughey 65′), Bayley McCann.

Coach: Tommy Wright.

Referee: Ioannis Christodoulou (Cyprus).

Yellow cards: Brooklyn Borg, Nathan Cross (Malta); Shea Kearney (Northern Ireland).