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
