'Captain Fantastic' Davis wins it again for Northern Ireland

BELFAST (Reuters) - Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis scored the only goal as his side won a friendly for the first time in seven and a half years, beating Latvia 1-0 at Windsor Park on Friday.

'Captain Fantastic' Davis wins it again for Northern Ireland

(Reuters)





Last month the Irish sealed qualification for Euro 2016 in France after the Southampton midfielder netted twice in a 3-1 home victory over Greece.

Davis was at it again on Friday, scrambling in the rebound from close range after Latvia keeper Andris Vinans had gone down low to his right to save his header following a pinpoint through ball from Craig Cathcart.

Corry Evans then shot narrowly over from long range as the Irish turned on the style, the home fans showing their appreciation with cries of 'Ole, Ole'.

The 30-year-old Davis, who has now scored eight goals in 79 international appearances, was given a rousing ovation by the crowd when manager Michael O'Neill took him off with seven minutes left.

The Irish had gone 23 matches without a victory in a friendly, stretching back to March 2008.

Latvia offered little threat in attack but were tough to break down at the other end.

The closest they went to a goal was when substitute Artjoms Rudnevs volleyed narrowly wide in the 89th minute.





(Writing by Tony Jimenez; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)


Share

1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: Reuters


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world