Slovenia 0 Northern Ireland 1
Substitute Corry Evans grabbed a late winner for Northern Ireland, scoring with his first touch and securing a precious Euro 2012 qualifier victory in Slovenia.
The home side wasted numerous first half chances and dominated after the break but it was youngster Evans who scored in a rare attack after 70 minutes, turning in low cross from Craig Cathcart at the back post.
Josip Ilicic had Slovenia’s best chance to equalise but Maik Taylor saved well as Northern Ireland clung on for the three points.
After a goalless first half, Slovenia assumed complete control after restart but they could not find a goal which their constant pressure deserved.
Valler Birsa saw his deflected volley fly just wide four minutes into the second half as Slovenia sent wave after wave of attack towards the Northern Ireland goal.
With the scoreline somehow still at nil-nil, Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington introduced Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty and Manchester United midfielder Corry Evans on for David Healy and Grant McCann after 67 minutes.
The introduction of 20-year-old Evans was inspired substitution as Northern Ireland took a surprise lead just three minutes later with their first attack of any substance.
Blackpool defender Cathcart sent a low cross to the far post to his former United teammate and Evans managed to shake off his marker to poach a goal from two yards out.
Northern Ireland were forced to work hard to hang onto their lead, with Taylor saving from Ilicic before Zlatan Ljubijankic blasted into the side-netting.
The result was Northern Ireland’s first victory in 11 matches.
