Northern Ireland make play-off final - face Slovakia in Belfast after shoot-out drama

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Celebrations in Sarajevo after Liam Boyce's winning penalty.

Q Radio Sport

Northern Ireland are through to the Euro play-off final in Belfast after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in Sarajevo on Thursday night.

Substitute Liam Boyce held his nerve to hit the winning kick and spark scenes of celebration. 

It was a well-deserved comeback victory for the visitors. 

NI had trailed 1-0 at the break, but Niall McGinn's persistence and clinical finish forced extra-time, which also ended 1-1. 

Then the shoot-out with keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell making a brilliant save and ex-Cliftonville striker Boyce sealing victory, 4-3 on penalties. 

It was Northern Ireland's first penalty shoot-out in a competitive senior game.

Skipper Steven Davis made his 120th NI appearance, taking over from Pat Jennings to become the country's most-capped player. 

Ian Baraclough's men will take on Slovakia in the decider at Windsor Park on November 12th after they beat the Republic of Ireland, also on penalties, in Bratislava.

Boyce finished it in style:

What a night for the skipper:

Next up for Northern Ireland is the Nations League game on Sunday against Austria.

And there'll be fans back in the stands:

Meanwhile, Linfield say a new date will be needed for the Big Two derby with Glentoran next month.

It's scheduled for Windsor on Tuesday November 10th, but the play-off is taking place at the national stadium just two days later.

Finally, good wishes from another sporting organisation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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