FOOTBALL: Northern Ireland rescue draw against Cyprus

There were boos from the home fans at the full-time whistle as Northern Ireland still remain winless in the Nations League

Northern Ireland manager Ian Barraclough
Author: James GouldPublished 12th Jun 2022

Northern Ireland limped to a 2-2 draw with Cyprus in the Nations League on Sunday afternoon at Windsor Park.

It means the Green and White Army are still without a win in the competition, with the pressure mounting on manager Ian Baraclough.

It all started so well for the home side, as they looked aggressive in their pressing from the first whistle.

Shayne Lavery and Paddy McNair threatened and had three penalty shouts turned down by the referee.

Just after the half hour mark, the Windsor Park crowd were silenced when a free-kick was played into the box, and Andronikos Kakoulli flicked a header into the bottom corner of the net, past Carson.

Paddy McNair and Shea Charles with Cyprus Chambos Kyriakou

Conor McMenamin looked the brightest spark for Northern Ireland, the Glentoran man was fantastic at driving forward with the ball every time he got it and had the home fans on their feet.

A long-range effort from Steven Davis was the only time the Cyprus goalkeeper was troubled in the first half.

It was expected Northern Ireland would come out flying in the second half but that was short lived when Kakoulli scored again, extending their lead by two five minutes in to the second period.

Northern Ireland needed a life line and they got it through Paddy McNair.

He clawed one back just after the 70 minute mark, making it 1-2.

Three minutes in to the six of added time, star defender Jonny Evans bundled an effort over the line to rescue a point for Northern Ireland.

The final whistle came along with boos and whistles as the fans voiced their concern at still being without a win in the Nations League.

How to listen to Cool FM: