Northern youths take friendly win

Northern Ireland U21s 2 Scotland U21s 1

Sam Morrow stepped off the bench to cap a dream debut for Northern Ireland with the winner in this friendly at the Oval tonight.

The Hibs striker found the target in the 59th minute, only three minutes after coming on, to stun the Scots.

It was no more than Northern Ireland deserved after a rousing fightback with Chris Brunt pulling them level after Shaun Maloney had opened the scoring.

Northern Ireland could have taken the lead after 11 minutes when Sean Webb peeled away from his marker when Sammy Clingan floated in a corner from the left but his header went wide.

The home side kept up the pressure and a teasing cross from Brunt was headed away by defender Andy Dowie.

Scotland hit back on the counter and Maloney broke clear only to send a tame effort into the arms of goalkeeper Michael McGovern with Darryl Duffy in a good position.

There was a moment of danger for Northern Ireland in the 30th minute when Maloney released Darryl Duffy down the channel.

He showed good pace and movement but McGovern sprinted out of his area to make a crucial save.

McGovern then reacted superbly to tip away an shot from Duffy as Scotland stepped up the pressure.

Duffy was proving a threat but the on-loan Stranraer shot-stopper again proved equal to his effort in the 35th minute.

Scotland opened the scoring a minute later when Maloney, who has played only two reserve games for Celtic, rifled the ball home after great work by Mark Wilson.

It could have been two a minute later but McGovern did well to parry Steven Whittaker’s well-struck drive.

Northern Ireland drew level two minutes into the second half when Brunt rattled a superb 25-yard free-kick in off the post.

That marvellous strike gave the home side a huge lift at the start of the second half.

Morrow came on for his Hibs team-mate Shiels in the 56th minute and marked his debut for Northern Ireland by putting them ahead.

Brunt carved out the opening down the left and swept the ball across. With the Scottish defenders hesitating Morrow nipped in to score.

Sub Neil Teggert found himself in a good position for Northern Ireland after 81 minutes but failed to test Samson with his header.

Scotland look to have run out of steam as well as ideas and this was another bad night for manager Rainer Bonhof. They have now failed to win in 11 games.