Q Radio Sport
-
Northern Ireland showcased their never-say-die attitude to nick a 1-1 Nations League draw with Romania, despite playing for 51 minutes with 10 men.
Ian Baraclough's tenure started in frustrating fashion as Reading striker George Puscas (25) bundled home before things got worse when Josh Magennis was dismissed for a second yellow card with just 39 minutes on the clock.
It was backs against the wall from that moment on but goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell stood up to the Romania challenge, making a string of fine saves despite not playing a competitive game since November last year.
The Burnley goalkeeper's heroics kept the hope of an equaliser alive and substitute Gavin Whyte took the chance when it came (86) after latching onto a Kyle Lafferty knockdown.
1. Bailey's free-kick ✅
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) September 5, 2020
2. Lafferty's assist ✅
3. Gavin Whyte's finish ✅#GAWA pic.twitter.com/ZuFfay56GT
It was a momentum building start for Baraclough, who has stepped up from his role as Under-21s boss to take charge of the senior side and will lead the team into the crucial Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina in October.
Sky Sports Player Ratings
Northern Ireland: Peacock-Farrell (9), McNair (7), Cathcart (7), Ballard (7), Dallas (6), Davis (6), Evans (6), Lewis (6), Saville (6), Magennis (6), Washington (6)
Subs: Lafferty (7), Whyte (7)
Man of the match: Bailey Peacock-Farrell
Meanwhile, there was an impressive result for the under-21s:
FT: #U21EURO
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 4, 2020
Malta 0-2 NI
Great start to a big night of international football for #GAWA
Ross Larkin and David Parkhouse with the goals
Senior side up next #GAWA #U21s@NorthernIreland pic.twitter.com/zLIAKlOC3y