Lacking a lot of skilled gamers, together with captain Simone Magill, Laura Rafferty and Nadene Caldwell, McArdle handed a debut to defender Jane McMaster and first caps to Kess Elmore and Charlotte Havern off the bench.
McMaster responded nicely after gifting away the early penalty for Encarnacao’s opener, whereas Kelmore was vigorous within the second half and, at 16, it was an enormous second for Cliftonville’s Havern to be launched with 10 minutes remaining.
“It is basic, particularly for our youthful gamers, to get this publicity,” McArdle added.
“It is a threat and it is courageous, however it’s one that can positively 100% stand robust with us in the long run.
“It should give us that sustainable alternative to qualify for tournaments within the longer run as a result of we’d like our youthful gamers to get this publicity, but in addition for lots of our senior gamers as nicely.”
After impressing within the second half earlier than Pinto’s objective took the wind out of their sails, McArdle stated his gamers will “damage for the subsequent 24 hours or so” however will regroup for the second leg.
Northern Eire can be with out Cora Chambers, who was despatched off within the closing phases for grabbing the hair of Carolina Correia.
“There’s the journey over to Portugal thrown in to permit us to chill out a wee bit afterwards.
“However as soon as we get there, we’ll sit up for Tuesday once more.
“We’re attempting to qualify, however there’s a longer course of as nicely that we’ll use Tuesday evening for.”
