North get the business done

GROUP THREE:San Marino 0 Northern Ireland 3

NORTHERN IRELAND got the victory they craved in this World Cup qualifier by completing the double over San Marino last night.

But the win came at a price with key trio Kyle Lafferty, Steven Davis and Grant McCann all booked and ruled out of the home fixture against Poland next month.

That was the only downside on a good night, and a special one for Gareth McAuley and Chris Brunt, who scored their first goals at this level.

Grant McCann was also on target as they moved into second place in Group Three on goal difference, although they have played a game more than their rivals.

Northern Ireland took the lead in the seventh minute and never let go of their grip against a side that has never won a competitive game.

McAuley smashed a superb half-volley into the net following a corner from McCann.

Stephen Craigan should have added a second in the 13th minute when he got clear of his marker when McCann delivered the corner, only to scuff his effort wide of the target.

Northern Ireland kept up the momentum and Lafferty cracked in a shot in the 22nd minute that was blocked. But they did not have long to wait before extending their lead.

It was another fine strike as well, with McCann rifling a shot into the corner from 18 yards after Martin Paterson’s effort was blocked in the 32nd minute.

Damien Johnson, making his first appearance in 11 months, was revelling in the space given to him on the right wing. He was putting San Marino under continual pressure with a string of good crosses.

Northern Ireland kept up the pressure and David Healy’s effort four minutes later was parried to safety by the goalkeeper before Craigan sent a shot wide.

Worthington made his first change in the 55th minute, bringing on Brunt for Lafferty.

Brunt made an immediate impact and put the province 3-0 ahead in the 63rd minute, driving in a 25-yard free kick that went under the hapless goalkeeper’s body.

SAN MARINO:F Valentini, C Valentini, della Valle, D Simoncini, Vannucci, Bacciocchi (F Vitaioli 79), Berretti, Muccioli, Mi Marani, M Vitaioli (Casdei 86), Ma Marani. Subs not used: A Simoncini, Cibelli, Bugli, Andreini, Albani.

NORTHERN IRELAND:Taylor, McAuley, Craigan, Hughes (McCourt 81), McCartney, Johnson, McCann, Davis, Healy, Paterson (Feeney 76), Lafferty (Brunt 55). Subs not used: Mannus, McGivern, McGinn, Shiels.

Referee:Dragomir Stankovic (Serbia).