A second-half goal from Steven Davis ensured that Northern Ireland claimed a slender 1-0 victory over visitors Latvia in their friendly clash at Windsor Park this evening.
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The home side failed to produce much in the way of chances in the opening stages, but Stuart Dallas was a touch guilty as he fired wide when a favourable clearance dropped to his feet around 20 yards out from goal.
The away side were unable to test Northern Ireland stopper Michael McGovern with any real chances in the first period, but the home side were wasteful as Kyle Lafferty shot wide despite having strike partner Jamie Ward free in a more favourable position.
Michael O'Neill's side were much improved in the second half, and they soon found the lead in the 55th minute through Davis, who turned home a rebound from close range after originally having his header kept out by Andris Vanins.
The goal appeared to give Davis some confidence and he came back with another strong, dipping effort that was well stopped by Vanins, who moved smartly to lessen the threat of the ball's movement.
Northern Ireland might have given themselves a cushion during the final 10 minutes of the encounter, only for Pavels Steinbors to pull off a standout reaction save to keep out a deflected effort from Shane Ferguson.
Christopher Dodd
