Northern Ireland fell behind after just three minutes in Varazdin as goalkeeper Jackie Burns fouled Ivana Rudelic in the box.

Lojna blasted home the resulting spot kick, but Oxtoby was pleased with her side’s response to the goal, with Simone Magill hitting the crossbar minutes after the opener.

“The advantage was that it was three minutes in so we had the whole half and we hadn’t even really got started,” Oxtoby continued.

“We asked them to respond and in the first half we dominated the game and played really well, so I’m really pleased we grinded it out and got an equaliser in the end.”

The Australian believes the resolve shown by her players will stand them in good stead for the second leg at Windsor Park.

“To come away from home and get the draw, there is a little bit of relief but I was pleased with the players and their determination to keep pushing.

“You can’t ask for much more and we go back home in a good position.”

Oxtoby also reserved praise for Cliftonville’s Danielle Maxwell, who was Northern Ireland’s biggest threat throughout.

“She was exceptional, she was driving at players and causing all sorts of problems.

“Her all-round game was really impressive tonight and hopefully she can take that into Tuesday.”