Hot sunshine greeted the GAWA for the opening game of this second phase of Euro 2008 qualifiers. While our home nation counterparts all had warm-up friendlies, Norn Iron had a job to do having sunk to third place in Group F over the last few months without having kicked a ball.
The Spanadians, who had a torrid start to the campaign, had somehow managed to slip into second place behind Sweden so it was important Norn Iron got three points from this.
Members of the NI press were almost masturbatory as this was Worthington’s debut as manager, Baird’s debut as captain and George McCartney’s return following a 26-month voluntary exile. This was before they could even pen the word Healy.
We had put Licky to bed in Vaduz, despite a slow start, so it was important an early goal came at Windsor. It took David Healy less than five minutes to head from a high velocity Gillespie cross to put the home side one ahead. Half an hour later, a terribly misplaced pass from Licky fullback Michael Stocklasa, was flighted over the ‘keeper to almost make it game over. Healy. Healy.
Granted, it was the start that everyone anticipated, made sweeter by a Kyle Lafferty 11 minutes into the second half slotting home a beautiful ball into the box by Biggles McCartney. This was Laffers first competitive goal for Norn Iron.
We were now comfortable, allowing Worthers the opportunity to make a few changes by bringing on Angel Wings Elliott for Brunt with 29 minutes remaining, Warren Feeny for a grinning Laffers and Jonah for Gillespie.
This was exactly the start NI needed to this second half of the campaign. If the next two games can be won, and that will be no easy task, then that will put NI into good stead for the final few games in October and November. It is still going to be gruellingly tough, especially if we sit back like we did in the last five minutes of this game. Slackness and lack of concentration saw Licky pull a goal back courtesy of Mario Frick minutes from time, which could prove crucial should goal difference come in to play in November.
Still, Lawrie may be gone but the team is still there showing the same pride, passion and belief only the Englanders can dream of.
Final Score
Norn Iron 3 (Healy 5, 34, Lafferty 56)
Licky 1 (Fricks, 89)
Ref: Radek Matejek (Czech Republic)
HDMOTM: Chris Baird
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