03/06/2004

Healy closes in on goal scoring record

David Healy is just one goal away from equalling Northern Ireland's all time goal scoring record after helping Lawrie Sanchez' men to a 2-0 victory against St Kitts and Nevis last night.

Northern Ireland looked like they were heading for another draw on the second match of their Caribbean Tour, until the Preston North End striker came off the bench to give his team a 1-0 lead, and secure his 12th international goal, with just nine minutes to go.

Healy then turned provider for Crewe's Steve Jones to score his first international goal five minutes later and take Northern Ireland's unbeaten run under Lawrie Sanchez to four games.

The manager was extremely pleased with the result despite most supporters taking the game for granted. After all, St Kitts and Nevis has a population of only 45,000 people and is currently the smallest country in the United Nations.

"Obviously, people were getting as bit anxious for us to win and we have done that now," Sanchez said.

"All credit to the boys. It is now a four-match undefeated run and that is nice.

"This shows that we can win matches. We drew with Barbados, who are a bit above us in the FIFA rankings, and then we beat St Kitts.

"So we have done everything that has been asked of us. I am happy."

Northern Ireland's final game sees them take on a more difficult opponent in the form of Trinidad & Tobago who will be looking for revenge against a British Home Nation following their 4-1 defeat at the hands of Scotland last weekend.

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