European Championship
Oct 8, 2015 7.45pm
3
1
HT : 1 0
FT
  • Steven Davis 35' goal
  • Josh Magennis 49' goal
  • Steven Davis 58' goal
  • goal Christos Aravidis 86'

Half-Time Report: Steven Davis strike puts Northern Ireland on the brink of Euro 2016 qualification

Davis strike puts N Ireland on the brink

Northern Ireland are on the brink of securing their place at Euro 2016 as they are holding a 1-0 lead at the break in their qualifying clash against Greece at Windsor Park.

The visitors were the first to threaten when Alexandros Tziolis rose highest at the back post from a corner and headed downward towards goal, but Michael McGovern made the stop.

Jamie Ward should have put Michael O'Neill's men ahead in the 18th minute when Oliver Norwood picked him out in the penalty area with a free kick, but he could only put his header wide of the target.

Northern Ireland came close again when Josh Magennis pounced on a loose ball in the box and tried to smash a volley past Orestis Karnezis from close range, but Vangelis Moras made a crucial block to deny the forward's goalbound strike.

The home side got their goal in the 35th minute when Steven Davis capped a team move by slotting the ball into the net from close range after latching on to Stuart Dallas's low cross into the box.

Greece came within inches of equalising just before the break when Nikolaos Karelis fired at goal from close range but saw his effort blocked, but Kostas Mitroglou collected the ball on the rebound, only to see his effort clatter off the post.

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