Euro 2016: Gareth McAuley Brace Edges Northern Ireland Closer To Finals (Photos & Highlights)

Alan Duffy

5th, September 2015

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A brace from West Brom centre-half helped Northern Ireland on their way to a precious 3-1 win in the Faroe Islands on Friday night, a result that sees them on the cusp of Euro 2016 qualification.

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Gareth McAuley, who also scored in the reverse fixture, headed home the opener on 12 minutes.

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However, Joan Simun Edmundsson levelled for the hosts before the break.

In the second period, Michael O’Neill’s men toiled against a well-drilled Faroes side. However, the sending of of  goalscorer Edmundsson (for two yellows) just after the hour-mark gave hope to the Northern Irish. And eventually the goals came, with McAuley bagging another header.

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Before Kyle Lafferty netted his sixth goal of the campaign, a haul only Poland’s Robert Lewandowski can better, courtesy of his eight goals.

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O’Neill’s men go top of Group F with a win at home to Hungary on Monday assuring them of their first ever Euro finals appearance.

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(Photos: BBC)

(Highlights: Dailymotion)