[monks data]

International Friendlies

Nov 13, 2015 at 7.45pm UK

N. Ireland Northern Ireland
1-0
Latvia Latvia

Davis (55')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Steven Davis gives Northern Ireland slender victory over Latvia

By Christopher Dodd, Reporter | 13 November 2015

A second-half finish from Steven Davis gives Northern Ireland a hard-fought 1-0 victory over visitors Latvia in the sides' friendly fixture at Windsor Park.

A second-half goal from Steven Davis ensured that Northern Ireland claimed a slender 1-0 victory over visitors Latvia in their friendly clash at Windsor Park this evening.

Steve Davis of Northern Ireland (L) and Eduards Visnakovs of Latvia battle for the ball during the international football friendly at Windsor Park on November 13, 2015 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. © Getty Images

The home side failed to produce much in the way of chances in the opening stages, but Stuart Dallas was a touch guilty as he fired wide when a favourable clearance dropped to his feet around 20 yards out from goal.

The away side were unable to test Northern Ireland stopper Michael McGovern with any real chances in the first period, but the home side were wasteful as Kyle Lafferty shot wide despite having strike partner Jamie Ward free in a more favourable position.

Michael O'Neill's side were much improved in the second half, and they soon found the lead in the 55th minute through Davis, who turned home a rebound from close range after originally having his header kept out by Andris Vanins.

The goal appeared to give Davis some confidence and he came back with another strong, dipping effort that was well stopped by Vanins, who moved smartly to lessen the threat of the ball's movement.

Northern Ireland might have given themselves a cushion during the final 10 minutes of the encounter, only for Pavels Steinbors to pull off a standout reaction save to keep out a deflected effort from Shane Ferguson.