NI earn credible 1-1 draw with Serbia & Montenegro

Lawrie Sanchez's Northern Ireland revolution continued last night as his side drew 1-1 with Serbia & Montenegro at Windsor Park.

A James Quinn goal on 18 minutes cancelled out Serbia's initial lead, following Veljko Paunovic's goal at the seven minute mark.

However, what impressed both fans and management alike was the work rate and desire shown from the players - who created enough chances in the second half to keep the Serbian defence under near constant pressure.

Serbia started the game brightly and should have scored earlier than they eventually did, with Dragutinovic missing Maik Taylor's post by inches after just five minutes.

Two minutes later Serbia's goal came following a poor throw-in by Chris Baird. Dragutinovic's pass set up Mallorca striker Veljko Paunovic, who held off Baird and calmly slipped the ball under Taylor for his first international goal.

However, Northern Ireland were back in the game just 11 minutes later when Baird sent a cutting ball down the right wing for David Healy to chase. The Preston man outpaced the Serbian full back before sending over a tantalising cross for Willem II striker Quinn, who finished from just six yards out.

This gave the home side the confidence they needed to press the Serbian defence, and a reward for that pressure nearly came on the stroke of half time when Healy had a great shot blocked by visiting keeper Kovacevic.

The second half saw a number of changes with Carroll replacing Taylor in goal and Gary Hamilton, Paul McVeigh and Steve Jones coming on for Mulryne, Gillespie and Healy.

However, despite this change, Northern Ireland's continued pressure told on the visitors who started resorting to dirty tactics. This culminated in a confrontation between Quinn and Albert Nadj, which eventually saw both teams embroiled in the heated exchange.

Sanchez then introduced more fresh faces with Andy Smith, Danny Sonner and Michael Hughes replacing Quinn, Whitley and Doherty, and with eight minutes to go Steve Jones had a penalty claim turned down despite television replays showing the Crewe winger being impeded on.

Into injury time, Portadown's Gary Hamilton - who had been proving a handful for the Serbian defence - found himself ten yards out but his shot was again superbly saved by Kovacevic.

All-in-all, another fine performance by Sanchez's men, who now face a three match Caribbean tour during May and June before September's opening World Cup 2006 Qualifier against Poland at Windsor Park.

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