16/11/2005

Sanchez 'satisfied' with Portugal draw

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has expressed his satisfaction at Tuesday nights 1-1 draw with Portugal at Windsor Park.

The friendly, in recognition of the IFA's 125th anniversary, saw the home side claw their way back into the game after going down 1-0 to a Stephen Craigan own goal shortly before half time.

Nine minutes into the second half however Warren Feeney, in the starting 11 in place of the injured David Healy, scored an impressive header to level the scores.

Sanchez said: "To come from behind to draw with a team like Portugal is a great positive.

"I told the players at half-time we were not here to be knocked over and they showed they can compete.

"It was good to give everyone a game and the younger players have done themselves a lot of favours."

Impressive displays by Maik Taylor and Steve Davis, as well as goal scorer Feeney, ends a successful year for the international side who finished their recent World Cup qualifying group in fourth place, helped of course by September's 1-0 over England at Windsor Park.

Next up for Lawrie's men is a home friendly against Estonia in March.

(MB/SP)

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