Northern Ireland 1 Russia 0: Martin Paterson's first-half header ended Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill's long wait for a victory as his side recorded a well-earned win over Russia at Windsor Park.
O’Neill’s first nine matches in charge of the national side had yielded five draws and four defeats, but his first taste of success at the highest level was a sweet one as his men got the better of former England boss Fabio Capello and his highly-rated charges in Belfast.
The tireless Paterson, only starting because of an injury to Kyle Lafferty, delivered the result by nodding home Niall McGinn’s 43rd-minute cross – his second goal for Northern Ireland and first in competitive action.
It was the least his energetic and passionate display deserved and he might have had another when his 58th minute header was chalked off to a tight offside flag.
The day had started inauspiciously for the hosts, with Manchester United defender Jonny Evans missing from the squad due to a stomach bug.
Craig Cathcart was drafted in at centre-half as a result, with Jamie Ward and Paterson given the attacking roles in place of Lafferty (Achilles) and Chris Brunt (suspended).
McGinn produced a dynamic run from the right wing in the 13th minute, going past two men and cutting into the box only to take one touch too many before pulling the trigger.
The breakthrough almost came in the 41st minute when Ward collected Danny Lafferty's quick free-kick, carried the ball a couple of paces and then rifled a low shot against the post from 25 yards.
Frustrated
Paterson tried to turn home the rebound but could not get any power on his touch. Northern Ireland may have been frustrated but they responded in the ideal fashion.
McGinn was the provider, getting in behind his man and chasing the ball to the byline, where he hit a first-time cross towards Paterson.
The Huddersfield forward timed his leap and directed a fine header into the far corner.
With 58 minutes on the clock Northern Ireland — and Paterson — were agonisingly close to a second.
Shane Ferguson’s deep corner was steered back across goal by Cathcart and headed in by Paterson, only for a marginal offside flag to cut short the celebrations.
Four tense minutes of injury-time prolonged O’Neill’s wait but Russia went limp as the time ebbed away.
