N.Ireland defeat Poland to boost World Cup hopes

Northern Ireland kept their campaign to reach the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa on track with a 3-2 qualifying win over Poland at Windsor Park here on Saturday.

Warren Feeney put the home side ahead after 10 minute before Poland drew level when Northern Ireland goalkeeper Maik Taylor failed to stop a shot from Ireneusz Jelen.

But Jonny Evans restored Northern Ireland’s lead early in the second-half and they increased their advantage to 3-1 after a back-pass from Michal Zelakow bobbled past goalkeeper Artur Boruc.

Southampton striker Marek Saganowski pulled a goal back in stoppage time but it was too late to deny Northern Ireland the win.

Victory left Nigel Worthington’s team top of Europe zone qualifying group three with 10 points although they have now played two matches more than second-placed Slovakia, who were thrashed 4-0 by England in a friendly on Saturday.

Asked whether Northern Ireland were now on course for the World Cup, Evans told Sky Sports: “I think it was back on track in the two previous games, we got six points from them.

“It was a big game and we hope we can do the same again on Wednesday (against Slovenia),” the Manchester United central defender added.

An elated Feeney said: “It means a lot to score,” he said. “I love playing for my country and I was buzzing, but all the lads from back to front were phenomenal. We are happy with the result and I think we deserved it.”

On a sour note, Northern Ireland could face action from world governing body FIFA for an incident which saw play held up for more than two minutes after a linesman was struck on the head by a coin thrown from a section of the crowd containing home fans.