San Marino U-21 0-3 Northern Ireland U-21: Oliver Norwood Brace Helps Provide First Win Of Qualifying Campaign

Northern Ireland Under-21s recorded their first victory in the Under-21 European Championship qualifying round, defeating minnows San Marino 3-0 in Serravalle.

Early pressure by the away side was rewarded on 24 minutes as Oliver Norwood found the target following a foul by Bianchi. The Northern Irish side continued to dominate and had further efforts from Evans and McKay.

The lead was doubled after just under quarter of an hour as this time Lawrie managed to find the net for Northern Ireland.

The visitors started the second half in a similar vein, forcing several corners in the opening 10 minutes.

An inevitable third goal finally arrived on 78 minutes as Manchester United midfielder Norwood notched his second of the match.

Some stern challenges from frustrated San Marino players led to bookings for Della Valle and Venerucci in quick succession as the hosts sought to gain some form of consolation, but the night belonged to Northern Ireland.

Line-ups

San Marino U-21: Casadei, Carlini, Casadei, Cervellini, Mazza, Venerucci, Giardi  Coppini, Bianchi, Della Valle, Ciavatta.

Subs: Di Natale, Buscarini, Canini, Giannoni, Mularoni, Rosti.


Northern Ireland U-21: O’Neill, Hodson, P. McLaughlin, Evans, Flynn, C. McLaughlin, Weir, Norwood, Kee, McKay, Lawrie.

Subs: Devlin, Ramsey, Boyce, Jarvis, Grigg, Bryan.