N Ireland 4-0 San Marino: Healy inspires rout
BELFAST, October 15 (World Cup Qualifying) - David Healy is up and running in the World Cup qualifying campaign - and so are Northern Ireland.
The striker's first goal in four matches coincided with the province's first victory. It was also their biggest win in 13 years.
• Worthington praises attitude
The hosts had to wait until the 30th minute before Healy made the breakthrough, while Grant McCann, Kyle Lafferty and Steven Davis were also on target.
The province set a high tempo from the off and Keith Gillespie rattled in a shot after 10 minutes that was blocked.
San Marino again found themselves on the back foot after 14 minutes when George McCartney scampered down the left.
He delivered a good cross into the box but the goalkeeper anticipated the situation well and made a comfortable save with Lafferty waiting to pounce on any mistake.
Healy then had his first chance of the match two minutes later but sent his effort wide of the post after being set up by Gillespie.
The province got their reward for their hard work in the 30th minute when Healy made the breakthrough and came after a marauding run by McCartney.
He picked out McCann, who in turn squared the ball to Healy. The Sunderland striker reacted quickly and got a touch of luck, his effort taking a couple of deflections before the ball nestled in the net.
McCann extended the hosts' lead in the 42nd minute, expertly drilling his effort home from the edge of area after being set up by Healy.
Healy, who has not played much at Sunderland, was looking sharper as the game progressed. He turned quickly in the 54th-minute only to see his effort taken quickly by the goalkeeper.
Lafferty made it 3-0 in 56th minute following a blunder by the goalkeeper, who pushed a weak shot from Healy into the path of the Rangers striker. He gratefully accepted the gift.
San Marino's troubles increased in the 63rd minute when they were reduced to 10 men with Mauro Marani sent off for lashing out at O'Connor.
Rangers midfielder Davis made it 4-0 in the 75th minute with a cool finish following good work from Lafferty.
defeat of San Marino in World Cup qualifying Group Three.
David Healy, Grant McCann, Kyle Lafferty and Steven Davis all found the target
at Windsor Park, and Worthington told Sky Sports afterwards: "The players'
attitude has been first class again.
"Yes, it's San Marino and we're not getting carried away but it's nice to get
three points and it's a nice scoreline.
"They kept their discipline and their heads - none of the people on a booking
have got another one tonight.
"It's good to get this result and get the three points.
"The players worked hard and have been very professional and controlled in
their approach. They've been very patient.''
Sunderland striker Healy, who opened the scoring, said: "I'm pleased for
myself, for the team and for Kyle to get on the scoresheet too.
"There is competition for places so you've got to keep your head down and
score goals when you can - and win games where possible.
"We knew we had to win tonight - we've got four points now and San Marino in
February. Hopefully that will give us seven.
"Teams are taking points off each other and we've got to stick in there and
make sure when we play these teams at home next year, we beat them.''