Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland play Bulgaria in the Nations League
B
Bulgaria
1
:
0
Northern Ireland
Despodov
40′
Keep an eye on the Belfast Telegraph website for Steven Beacom’s report, Stephen Looney’s opinion, match ratings and reaction from Michael O’Neill.
By contrast, ITV switched the stream off less than 30 seconds after the full-time whistle
In the end, Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s mistake was the difference in the teams.
However, that doesn’t tell the full story of the game. Bulgaria dominated the first half, and really should have scored more than one.
Northern Ireland had much more of the ball in the second half, but failed to create a chance of note. Michael O’Neill tried everything, making five attack-minded changes, but it made little difference.
The better team on the night claim the points. That was a disappointing display from Northern Ireland
And that’s that
Put back towards the back post…Ballard….heads over!
Headed away
It’s a Northern Ireland throw-in. Here comes Paul Smyth
Headed clear
Shea Charles to take
Shayne Lavery wins a corner
Ross McCausland has a chance to play Jamal Lewis into a good position, but he overhits it and it goes out for a goalkick
There’s hope. We will have six minutes of added time
Shea Charles corner causes panic in the Bulgarian box, as the goalkeeper flaps at it. But they clear the danger
It’s a corner to Northern Ireland after Bulgaria struggle to clear a long ball
Shayne Lavery’s glancing header goes over the bar. Decent ball in from Jamal Lewis
Northern Ireland on the attack…Ali McCann has the ball in the box but misplaces his pass
Another double sub. Conor Bradley will go to fullback
Trai Hume hacks down a Bulgarian forward to stop the counter attack. If the ref had played advantage, Bulgaria may have scored…
A Shea Charles free-kick is headed away.
After so much success on Thursday, the set-pieces have been poor tonight
Northern Ireland have 15 minutes to find a goal.
It feels like the ball has barely been in play the last ten minutes