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International Friendlies

Mar 28, 2016 at 7.45pm UK

N. Ireland Northern Ireland
1-0
Slovenia

Washington (41')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Northern Ireland set new unbeaten record

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor | 28 March 2016

Conor Washington's first international goal helps Northern Ireland to record a 1-0 win over Slovenia, extending their unbeaten run to a record 10 matches in the process.

Northern Ireland set a new national record thanks to their 1-0 victory over Slovenia in Belfast this evening.

The 1-1 draw with Wales last time out extended the Green and White Army's unbeaten run to nine games, a feat that was previously achieved under Billy Bingham's guidance in 1986.

However, the class of 2016, managed by Michael O'Neill, have now gone one better courtesy of Conor Washington, who marked his home debut by scoring the only goal of the contest at Windsor Park.

In what was an otherwise unremarkable first half, Queens Park Rangers frontman Washington had the first decent opening in the 29th minute, but his shot was blocked by Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Yet, Oblak was powerless to stop the 23-year-old from finding the back of the net four minutes before the break. Having won the physical battle with two defenders, Washington then cut inside Bostjan Cesar and unleashed a low shot that beat the flat-footed custodian from 10 yards out.

In a second half that saw both managers ring the changes, clear goalscoring opportunities were at a premium as both defences were on top.

Even so, the visitors from Eastern Europe had the perfect chance to restore parity in the 65th minute when Jonny Evans was penalised for a foul on Cesar inside the box. Substitute Milivoje Novakovic stepped up to take the resultant penalty, only to see Norn Iron's veteran goalkeeper Roy Carroll palm the ball to safety.

The 38-year-old keeper was again called into action two minutes from time when Valter Birsa aimed for the bottom right corner, with Carroll showing good reflexes to ensure that his side held on.