Josh Magennis headed in the winner in stoppage time as Northern Ireland came from behind to finally end their Nations League hoodoo with a 2-1 victory over Kosovo at Windsor Park.
Ten minutes after substitute Gavin Whyte had given Northern Ireland hope with the equaliser, the Cardiff winger sent in the cross for Magennis to power home a much-needed winner for Northern Ireland and their manager Ian Baraclough.
An afternoon that began with Conor McMenamin becoming the second player in as many days to be sent home from the squad due to a video circulating online threatened to get much worse after Vedat Muriqi’s 58th-minute strike had fans once again calling for the manager’s head.
But instead Northern Ireland claimed three points in this competition for the first time in 15 attempts, moving clear of the immediate threat of relegation to the bottom tier.
Gavin Whyte with the equaliser! 👏@NorthernIreland get their goal, now can they find a winner? 💚#NIRKOS pic.twitter.com/MzmCenTwTI
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) September 24, 2022
"They have done it!" 🗣️
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) September 24, 2022
Josh Magennis with an OUTSTANDING diving header and @NorthernIreland are on their way to a first UEFA Nations League win 💚#NORKOS pic.twitter.com/S1MWeBFzTi
Ian Baraclough: 'Big sigh’ of relief after overdue win
“I enjoyed celebrating the goals,” the Northern Ireland boss said.
“It is just a relief the players got their reward for a hard week’s work they put in, and the concentration they put in. And the togetherness. They are still building within a new group.
“I applauded the fans after the game and then went into my office and just sat down and took a big sigh, a big breath. We will enjoy this win and move on and prepare for Tuesday.”
Baraclough had also heard calls for his head during a winless run of four games in June, when optimism built in previous international windows drained away in draws home and away to Cyprus and defeats to both Greece and Kosovo.
This result will only go part of the way to ending those frustrations, but Baraclough believes positive signs are there.
“It’s part of the game,” Baraclough said of the chanting.
“I just tried to block it out. I don’t think it helps because I think it can get onto the players, and that’s something I’m saddened about.
“I understand we have got to win games of football, but I’m building and developing a squad and that takes time. Of course, you have to win games along the way, and today we did that.
“Hopefully the fans can see what we’re trying to do and they show some patience, because I believe that when we’re at our strongest we’re a match for anybody.
“Today was an example of a squad that is close together. They’re a close-knit bunch who enjoy performing for the fans. They need that backing from the fans.”
