Northern Ireland 3 Israel 0: Supersub Whyte scores debut goal

Goals from Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas and debutant Gavin Whyte gave Northern Ireland a comfortable victory over Israel in Belfast.

Published : Sep 12, 2018 08:07 IST

Gavin Whyte scores for Northern Ireland.
Gavin Whyte scores for Northern Ireland.
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Gavin Whyte scores for Northern Ireland.

Gavin Whyte scored with his first touch in international football as Northern Ireland rebounded from a disappointing Nations League debut to notch a 3-0 friendly win over Israel.

Oxford United winger Whyte bundled home less than two minutes after stepping on for his debut to wrap up a confident response to Saturday's defeat against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Northern Ireland failed to turn its dominance into a result on that occasion but there was little threat of a repeat at Windsor Park after Steven Davis struck inside 13 minutes.

Stuart Dallas added a second before the interval and later set up Whyte for his memorable moment as Michael O'Neill's men brought an end to a three-game winless run.

Ruthlessly made to regret its wastefulness on the weekend, Northern Ireland appeared to have heeded the lesson during a professional and polished first 45 minutes.

What it means: Northern Ireland still moving forward

It may have given up ground to Bosnia-Herzegovina but, on this week's evidence, Northern Ireland remain very much capable of winning promotion from Group 3 in League B.

The host should have prevailed in its opener and was richly deserving of a victory that will instill the belief necessary to make a genuine challenge for top spot.

Pat on the back: Long-term future for Lewis

In youngster Jamal Lewis, O'Neill can ink in Northern Ireland's left-back for the next decade.

The Norwich City product, still just 20, looks at home in the international arena as he again showed a liking for forward raids at Windsor Park, along with some brave defending in his own box.

Boot up the backside: Haimov's headache

Davis' cleanly struck opener may have taken a slight touch off striker Dabbur but Israel goalkeeper Haimov can hardly be excused for allowing the ball to pass through his hands.

There were questions, too, over his inability to keep out the close-range second in what was a forgettable night for the Maccabi Haifa man.

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