Bolton striker Josh Magennis nets late winner to make it two wins from two for hosts in Euro 2020 qualifying
The 28-year-old tapped home in the 87th minute after Ihar Stasevich's deflected effort cancelled out Jonny Evans' opener at Windsor Park
JOSH MAGENNIS put his club woes behind him to score a vital goal for Northern Ireland.
Bolton striker Magennis does not know where his next pay cheque is coming from at the cash-strapped Championship outfit.
But he knew exactly where the goal was last night as he slammed home a vital winner three minutes from time at Windsor Park.
Happy Magennis, 28, said: “I might won game but we did a job as a team.
“I’m blessed it was me. We’re happy to get the three points, now it’s on to June.”
Magennis’ winner Michael O’Neill’s demand for six points from six in the first two Euro 2020 qualifiers has been answered.
Boss O’Neill insisted it was ‘essential’ for his team to win the two home games against Estonia last Thursday and then Belarus last night.
Northern Ireland go to both countries next in June and then face the ominous task of facing powerhouses Holland and Germany in September.
But right now they can celebrate as Northern Ireland find themselves above both giants of international football.
Belarus are already guaranteed a play-off spot for Euro 2020 having won Nations League promotion.
Even so they did not roll over and it looked for a long time as if O’Neill’s battlers would have to make do with a point, leaving their hopes of a second Euros dream on a knife-edge.
Jonny Evans headed Northern Ireland in front with only the third goal of his 13 year international career after half an hour.
Evans looked more surprised than anyone else when skipper Steven Davis headed a cross from Niall McGinn into his path in the six yard box.
The Leicester defender saw it late but reacted quickly enough to leap forwards and head the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
Experienced Evans, with 77 caps, has scored all three of his Northern Ireland goals at home - in contrast to last week’s goalscorer McGinn who got his first in Belfast after an 11-year wait.
Belarus were under the cosh most of the night but got lucky with their 33rd minute leveller. Stuart Dallas turned away from a shot by Igor Stasevich and sent the ball looping over his Leeds team-mate, goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
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There was little else of note from Belarus other than some rather physical tactics and the standout figure in their team was Alexander Hleb.
Just two months shy of his 38th birthday and with the distinct signs of a bald spot, the ex-Arsenal midfielder still looks a class act.
Belarus’ stifling approach looked set to disappoint Northern Ireland until the 87th minute when sub Magennis started and finished the move for his dramatic winner.
He found Dallas on the right who then slipped the ball wider still to Paddy McNair on the overlap.
His low cross cut through the six yard box and Magennis was perfectly positioned to direct the ball over the line with his right foot.
Evans added: “I wouldn’t say we were patient but we got the goal in the end.
“Their goal knocked us a bit and it was not our best performance. But we kept going and it’s a great feeling.”