Nations League: Magennis late show sees Northern Ireland break their duck

It wasn't textbook, it certainly wasn't comfortable, but it might be just what Northern Ireland and Manager Ian Baraclough in particular, needed after a week which has seemingly been more about off-field issues than on it.

With Kyle Lafferty withdrawn from the squad on Friday following an investigation from his club Kilmarnock into an alleged sectarian comment on video, Glentoran forward Conor McMenamin was then removed from the squad just before kick-off. That was after an historical video involving him came to light on social media.

On the pitch, Baraclough and his side were desperate to finally get their first Nations League win at their 15th attempt.

They did just that, coming from behind after Verdat Muriqi had given Kosovo the lead shortly before the hour.

Subs Gavin Whyte levelled on 82 minutes, before the former Crusaders winger teed up Josh Magennis to power home a brilliant headed winner two minutes into time added on.

It was the visitors who made most of the running in the first half, with the side looking as good on the ball as their Manager, former French international Alain Giresse.

They carved out the first opportunities in the fifth minute.

Elbasan Rashani's curled effort from the left was only palmed out by Bailey Peacock-Farrell into the path of Florent Muslija, who scuffed the follow-up straight at the keeper when he’ll feel he should have scored.

That was somewhat of a let off for Northern Ireland and it did seem to spur the home into life slightly.

Shortly after the quarter hour, Josh Magennis' header was deflected out for a corner. When the ball eventually came back out to the right hand side following the set-piece, Conor Bradley whipped in a teasing cross, which flew across the edge of the six-yard box and agonisingly out of the reach of Dion Charles.

But it was Peacock-Farrell who was called into action once again midway through the half. This time, he was almost deceived when Florent Muslija's dipping free-kick had to be beaten away by the Burnley stopper.

Eight minutes before the break, there was yet another chance for the away side as Bersant Celina's cross was headed over by Rashani.

While Northern Ireland did test Arijanet Muric in the Kosovo goal, he was equal to both shots from Dion Charles, Northern Ireland were very much second best in the opening period.

However, it was a brighter start to the second half and they nearly took the lead inside the opening minute.

Conor Bradley burst into the box and cut inside his man, but his left foot shot was smothered by Muric. The Liverpool defender, on-loan at Bolton Wanderers, could have taken his time and with a little more composure could have made it 1-0.

Northern Ireland did have the ball in the net 10 minutes after the break, as Charles finished smartly from a George Saville through ball, but, following a VAR check, the goal was correctly chalked off.

The visitors then took the lead just before the hour mark.

Kosovo captain Vedat Muriqi showed his strength to hold off a challenge and lash home a brilliant finish 22 yards that gave Peacock-Farrell no chance on 58.

But Northern Ireland almost levelled five minutes later with Jonny Evans' goalbound header cleared off the line by Kosovan goalscorer Muriqi

Then two minutes later, Josh Magennis' looping header was superbly tipped onto the bar by Muric before eventually being fired over by Charles.

Then came the rally as Northern Ireland equalised on 82 minutes.

Peacock-Farrell made a fine stop to deny Muriqi at one end and then the hosts went straight down the pitch with subs Shayne Lavery and Whyte combining - the latter sidefooting home from close range

Then after Muriqi blazed over from point-blank range, Arber Zeneli fired wide. With four minutes of stoppage time added, Northern Ireland upped the ante.

Two minutes into that added time, goalscorer Whyte produced a pinpoint cross towards Magennis, who steered a perfect header past Muric. It was a fine strike and one that sent Windsor Park into overdrive.

Northern Ireland had little difficulty seeing the remainder of the game out for what could prove a watershed win.

It would have been something of a relief for Baraclough, who has arguably endured the most tumultuous week of his 27 months in charge of the Senior side.

MATCH STATS

Northern Ireland: Peacock-Farrell, Bradley, Lewis (Ferguson 77), Flanagan, J Evans, Saville (Thompson 67), Davis (McCann 91) C Evans (Whyte 77), D Charles (Lavery 77), McNair, Magennis. Subs not used: Hazard, Southwood, Balmer, Lane, S Charles, Brown.

Kosovo: Muric, Hadergjonaj, Aliti, Fazligi, Rashica (Zeneli 69), Muslija (Loshaj 78), Celina, Rashani (Bytyqi 87), Muriqi, Dresecic, Rrudhani

Subs not used: Ujkani, Bekaj, Kryeziu, Rrahmani, Emerllahu, Dellova, Krasniqi, Domgjoni.

Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden).