Northern Ireland cruise to victory

12 April 2012

David Healy is up and running in the World Cup qualifying campaign - and so are Northern Ireland and they beat San Marino 4-0.

The Sunderland striker's first goal in four matches coincided with the province's first victory. It was also their biggest win in 13 years.

It was a comfortable one at that, although they had to wait until the 30th minute before Healy made the breakthrough. Northern Ireland grew in confidence with Grant McCann, Kyle Lafferty and Steven Davis all finding the target. San Marino had Mauro Marani sent off for lashing out at Michael O'Connor in the 63rd minute.

The province set a high tempo from the off and Keith Gillespie rattled in a shot after 10 minutes that was blocked. 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.

Nigel Worthington's side got their reward for their hard work in the 30th minute when Healy made the breakthrough and came after a marauding run by George 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 doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute, expertly drilling his effort home from the edge of area after being set up by Healy.

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 Marani sent off for lashing out at O'Connor.

Davis made it 4-0 in the 75th minute with a cool finish following good work from Lafferty. Substitute Martin Paterson found the net in stoppage time but his effort was disallowed for an infringement.

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