Estonia - 0 Northern Ireland - 1 Northern Ireland finally ended their dire run of 15 games without a win spanning more than two years when they beat Estonia 1-0 in a friendly last night at Talinn.
The visitors - whose last success was a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win at Malta in October 2001 - took the honours when striker David Healy latched on to a pass in the last minute of the first half and thundered a shot from 25 metres into the top-right-hand corner of the net.
The Preston North End striker had ended Northern Ireland's two-year goal drought when he scored in last month's 4-1 defeat by Norway.
Estonia goalkeeper Martin Kaalma, who earlier made a great save to deny Crewe midfielder Steve Jones from close range, had no chance with the winner.
Sunderland midfielder Jeff Whitley missed a great chance to double the lead late on but sidefooted over an open goal after Kaalma had parried a shot.
Northern Ireland - drawn against England, Poland, Austria, Wales and Azerbaijan in World Cup 2006 qualifying Group Six - outplayed the Estonians for most of the game and deserved to win in their second game under new coach Lawrie Sanchez.
"It's nice to win a football match again - it has been a long time for us," Sanchez said. "Not only was it nice to win, it was a great goal that sealed the victory in what was a good contest.
"It is my first win in charge and hopefully it's the first of many. It was hard work, but very enjoyable."
N IRELAND: Taylor; Baird, Williams, Craigan, Capaldi, Jones (McCann 68), Whitley, Sonner (Duff 78), Mulryne, Healy, Smith. Subs not used: Fettis, Toner, Kirk. Booked: Sonner, Healy, Williams. Goals: Healy 45.
