England's Jill Scott and NI's Helen McKenna jump for the ball

England Women beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in Thursday night's Euro 2009 qualifying match at Mourneview Park.

Fara Williams and captain Faye White scored as England maintained their 100% record in Group One, but Hope Powell's team made hard work of the win.

"It wasn't a great performance," admitted the national coach, "but give credit to Northern Ireland.

"They stifled us and we lost a bit of discipline. But we got the three points and that was the most important thing."

Powell's side started well enough but Kelly Smith, England's deadliest finisher, missed four chances in the opening 12 minutes.

After hitting the bar in the seventh minute, the striker had a 10th minute penalty parried by goalkeeper Emma Higgins - who then saved Smith's weak follow-up shot.

Two minutes later the keeper acrobatically turned a close range volley from Smith over the bar.

We're a developing nation, but we're improving all the time and tonight we showed that. Northern Ireland manager Alfie Wylie

But Higgins was finally beaten in the 19th minute, midfielder Williams forcing the ball home from six yards after a Rachel Yankey shot had been deflected.

Yankey should have increased the lead a minute before half-time, but the Arsenal winger delayed her shot when completely unmarked and the chance was wasted.

Higgins, having an excellent game in the Irish goal, made another fine save from Smith when she tipped the striker's 20 drive over the top six minutes after the interval.

And after White had headed a 73rd minute chance over the bar, Higgins again denied Smith when keeping out a low 30 yard shot.

Six minutes later Smith collected a booking that means she will miss England's next qualifier, against the Czech Republic.

White at last made sure of victory when she shot home from 10 yards following an 84th minute corner by Yankey.

Northern Ireland never seriously threatened the England goal but manager Alfie Wylie, whose team have now lost all five of their qualifiers, was pleased with the display.

"I was proud of the girls," he said. "We're a developing nation, but we're improving all the time and tonight we showed that."