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19/02/2004
NI score first goal in two years
Players and fans of the Northern Ireland football team were in jovial mood today despite last night's 4-1 friendly defeat at the hands of Norway at Windsor Park.
The reason for their optimism was a first goal for Northern Ireland in two years of trying and a second half performance which bodes well for Lawrie Sanchez' reign as manager for the forthcoming 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Two goals from Morten Pederson and one from Steffen Iversen left Northern Ireland fans speechless as Lawrie Sanchez' team went in at half time 3-0 down following a poor defensive display.
However, a rousing half-time team talk, as well as a substitution and some tactical manoeuvring, sparked some life into a team which hadn't scored in 13 games.
Step up David Healy who scored a magnificent header on 56 minutes following a superb cross from Keith Gillespie.
However, any thought of a comeback was shortlived as Norway scored within one minute of the restart through an own goal by Gillespie.
A rousing final 30 minutes showed plenty of positives with Healy missing a glorious chance 10 yards from goal.
But, while a second goal wasn't to be, the majority of fans didn't seem to care as they sang and applauded their team off the park in one of the most surreal atmospheres seem at Windsor Park in years.
Northern Ireland's next game is away to Estonia next month and the chance for Lawrie Sanchez' team to break another milestone by securing their first win in 15 games.
(MB)
The reason for their optimism was a first goal for Northern Ireland in two years of trying and a second half performance which bodes well for Lawrie Sanchez' reign as manager for the forthcoming 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Two goals from Morten Pederson and one from Steffen Iversen left Northern Ireland fans speechless as Lawrie Sanchez' team went in at half time 3-0 down following a poor defensive display.
However, a rousing half-time team talk, as well as a substitution and some tactical manoeuvring, sparked some life into a team which hadn't scored in 13 games.
Step up David Healy who scored a magnificent header on 56 minutes following a superb cross from Keith Gillespie.
However, any thought of a comeback was shortlived as Norway scored within one minute of the restart through an own goal by Gillespie.
A rousing final 30 minutes showed plenty of positives with Healy missing a glorious chance 10 yards from goal.
But, while a second goal wasn't to be, the majority of fans didn't seem to care as they sang and applauded their team off the park in one of the most surreal atmospheres seem at Windsor Park in years.
Northern Ireland's next game is away to Estonia next month and the chance for Lawrie Sanchez' team to break another milestone by securing their first win in 15 games.
(MB)
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Healy closes in on goal scoring record
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07 June 2004
'More goals' declares NI's top striker
Record Northern Irish international goal scorer David Healy has said that he wants "more goals" to up the target for future players. The Preston North End striker scored two goals in a 3-0 friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago to take his tally for Northern Ireland to 14.
'More goals' declares NI's top striker
Record Northern Irish international goal scorer David Healy has said that he wants "more goals" to up the target for future players. The Preston North End striker scored two goals in a 3-0 friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago to take his tally for Northern Ireland to 14.
06 June 2005
Sanchez cites lack of confidence as Germans beat NI
Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has hit out at his side’s lack of confidence when going behind to the opposition following Saturday’s 4-1 home defeat at the hands of Germany. Northern Ireland went 1-0 up thanks to a David Healy goal after Robert Huth was sent off for a hand ball on 15 minutes.
Sanchez cites lack of confidence as Germans beat NI
Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has hit out at his side’s lack of confidence when going behind to the opposition following Saturday’s 4-1 home defeat at the hands of Germany. Northern Ireland went 1-0 up thanks to a David Healy goal after Robert Huth was sent off for a hand ball on 15 minutes.
12 September 2012
Own Goal Leaves NI With Disappointing Draw
A Northern Ireland own goal at Windsor Park last night meant the team had to settle for a draw in the World Cup qualifier. The hosts dominated the game as their rivals Luxembourg trailed but Northern Ireland squandered numerous chances.
Own Goal Leaves NI With Disappointing Draw
A Northern Ireland own goal at Windsor Park last night meant the team had to settle for a draw in the World Cup qualifier. The hosts dominated the game as their rivals Luxembourg trailed but Northern Ireland squandered numerous chances.
16 November 2016
Northern Ireland - 0 Croatia - 3
Northern Ireland's long unbeaten home run has ended at Windsor Park after being defeated by Croatia 3-0. Juventus striker Mario Mandžukić scored the first goal nine minutes into the game and Duje Čop secured the second goal on the 35th minute of the friendly game. Andrej Kramarić also scored with a 25-yard shot into the top corner.
Northern Ireland - 0 Croatia - 3
Northern Ireland's long unbeaten home run has ended at Windsor Park after being defeated by Croatia 3-0. Juventus striker Mario Mandžukić scored the first goal nine minutes into the game and Duje Čop secured the second goal on the 35th minute of the friendly game. Andrej Kramarić also scored with a 25-yard shot into the top corner.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
