PATS THE MAN

Inspired Paterson down’s Russians as O’Neill drought is over

 

 

 

Northern Ireland 1-0 Russia, Windsor Park, Wednesday 15th August 2013 -  @jp_fahy reports

Martin Paterson’s header on the stroke of half-time was enough to see Northern Ireland beat Russia and claim their first victory under manager Michael O’Neill at the ninth attempt; Paterson was in inspired form leading the line alongside Derby striker Jamie Ward as both of them with the help of Shane Ferguson and Niall McGinn on the wings caused problems for the Russian defence all night.

 

This game was originally scheduled for February but a snow covered pitch at Windsor Park prevented it from going ahead and in the lead up to that game Russia manager Fabio Capello claimed it was misinterpreted when he said it was “Only Northern Ireland”. From the first whistle it was quite clear those words were still in the minds of the home side as they took the game to their visitors.
 

Jamie Ward had a chance in the first 30 seconds but his effort was miscued and easily gathered by Russian keeper Akinfeev, a minute later former Derry City winger Niall McGinn tried his luck with a volley that just flew over. Moments later Northern Ireland were on the attack again, first of all Paterson thought he was in but was penalised for a studs up which seemed very harsh but the Huddersfield Town man had his first effort of the game less than a minute later which was straight at Akinfeev.  The Russian was certainly not expecting to be this busy in the 90 minutes never mind the first five minutes and would’ve been grateful to see his team mates creating chances at the other end as Kerzhakov had an effort blocked by Gareth McAuley at the centre of the home defence.

 

By this stage the Russians were beginning to grow into the game and continued to come at the home side and on eleven minutes there was a few half-hearted appeals for handball against Roy Carroll as the goalkeeper came sliding out to cut out the danger but he easily released before his momentum took him outside his area.  Northern Ireland were struggling to get a hold of the ball as the Russians began knocking it about on the ground but were failing to find a way through a defence well marshalled by McAuley as he cut out yet another ball meant Dzagoev whilst Kerzhakov was also feeding off scraps.
 

The home sides good work for the first half hour was almost undone as Viktor Fayzulin burst through he was clipped by Oliver Norwood but the Zenit St Petersburg midfielder choose to remain on his feet and attempt a cross which came to nothing, at that point he may have been regretful by not going down but credit for staying on his feet.  This was the Russian’s best period of the game but all their pressure and build up play was easily dealt with by the home side that were defending for the lives and not allowing their visitors anything cheap.
 

As the first half drove to a close the home side almost took the lead, captain Steven Davis was judged to have been fouled in the centre circle; former Derry City left back Danny Lafferty’s quick thinking found Ward who drove at the Russian defence he let fly from 20 yards only to see his effort crash off the post. As the ball rebounded Paterson was alive to it but slipped at the vital moment and Akinfeev gathered easily.
 

However Paterson did not have to wait long for his next chance, and two minutes from half time he took it; a great ball over the top from Aaron Hughes found Niall McGinn on the chase as the Russians appealed for offside, McGinn’s first time cross was met by the head of Paterson to glance past Akinfeev who had no chance. It was enough to give the home side a half-time lead that they richly deserved and set themselves up for a big second half.
 

H/T Northern Ireland 1-0 Russia (Paterson, 43)
 

Northern Ireland’s first half dominance was enough to force Capello into two changes as he brought on Real Madrid winger Demtri Cheryshev for Dzagoev and whilst FC Rostov target man Artyom Dzubya replaced the disappointing Kerzhakov.

 

 

The changes made a bit of difference especially Cheryshev who was causing problems for Aaron Hughes he dribbled past the Fulham defender only to be dispossessed at the last minute; on 51 minutes the Russians had a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the box but Shirokov tried to place around the wall to no avail. A minute later the so far impressive Cheryshev was replaced by Samedov after he appeared to pick up a mysterious injury after an innocent collision with Aaron Hughes, who must have been delighted to see him go off so soon after coming on.

 

 

From that moment on Capello must have known it wasn’t going to be a pretty night for him as that was his third and final change, but he must also have thought his luck was changing a few minutes later when he saw the flag go up for offside when Paterson had the ball in the night for a second time. McAuley headed Norwood’s cross back across goal for the striker to head home; McAuley was furious and rightly so as replays showed that Paterson was well onside.
 

With 20 minutes left Northern Ireland supporters must’ve been worried when they saw the outstanding McAuley down but after having treatment he was ok to continue much to the relief of all involved with the home side. On 74 minutes Paterson had another chance as he challenged the keeper for a cross, Akinfeev spilled the ball and Paterson had a swing but caught the keeper and was penalised with a free-kick and also booked after a confrontation with Berezutski who also got booked.
 

As full-time approached Michael O’Neill finally decided to change, opting to perhaps play more defensive as he replaced the impressive Niall McGinn with Corry Evans and man of the match Martin Paterson who went off to a standing ovation was replaced by Will Gregg; the referee added four minutes of injury but Russia were unable to conjure up anything and finally O’Neill has his first win as Northern Ireland manager.
 

F/T Northern Ireland 1-0 Russia (Paterson, 43)
 

Teams:
 

Northern Ireland: Roy Carroll, Danny Lafferty, Gareth McAuley, Craig Cathcart, Aaron Hughes, Shane Ferguson, Steven Davis, Oliver Norwood, Niall McGinn (Corry Evans, 82), Martin Paterson (Will Grigg, 86) Jamie Ward

 

 

Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Ignashevich, Berezutsky, Denisov, Dzagoev (Cheryshev – 45, Samedov 53), Shirokov, Bystrov, Faitzulin,  Kombarov,  Kerzhakov (Dzjuba – 46)
 

Goals: Martin Paterson

 

 

Booked: Danny Lafferty (misses next game), Martin Paterson, Berezutsky (misses next game)
 

ATT: 11,805