NORTHERN IRELAND: first 'normal time' win for Baraclough
Last updated 31st May 2021
Northern Ireland celebrated a hat-trick of 'firsts' last evening in Austria after a 3-0 win over Malta.
It was Ian Baraclough's first win in 90 minutes since taking over as Northern Ireland boss.
And both Jordan Jones and Ali McCann got first strikes for the side.
Gavin Whyte grabbed the other goal in the win.
The friendly was the first of two in preparation for Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign which begins in September.
They play Ukraine on Thursday.
Baraclough said the result was "very pleasing."
"The way we started both halves is something we've discussed, we wanted to start quickly and put the opposition on the back foot and we certainly did that," he added.
"I was pleased with scoring three goals, and obviously with creating chances and finally getting the rewards for it. And keeping a clean sheet as well. The team as a whole ticked most of the boxes.
"Looking at it, I think we've played better actually in other games and not got the rewards so I'm delighted we have got the rewards and can enjoy looking at a lot of that performance.''