Northern Ireland go top

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Manager Nigel Worthington saw his side go top of Group Three after a rousing victory at Windsor Park. It was just the result he was looking for with Slovenia due to arrive in Belfast on Wednesday. Northern Ireland may have played a game more than their rivals but this win will surely boost their confidence.

Poland, meanwhile, were left to rue their luck with Michal Zewlakow scoring a bizarre own goal. Warren Feeney started the ball rolling and Jonny Evans weighed in with his first goal for the province to spark a night of celebrations in the capital.

Northern Ireland took the lead in the 10th minute when Chris Brunt hoisted the ball to the back post, Damien Johnson headed it into the area and Feeney made no mistake from close range for his fourth goal at this level.

Poland, however, broke out of their slumber to equalise in the 27th minute by springing the offside trap.

Ireneusz Jelen raced away and, although goalkeeper Maik Taylor got a hand to his effort, he was unable to prevent the ball going in the net.

But Northern Ireland were celebrating a minute into the second half as they regained the lead. Evans scored his first goal for the province, sweeping the ball home beyond Artur Boruc following an inswinging corner from Grant McCann.

Northern Ireland extended their lead in the 61st minute thanks to a bizarre own goal from Zewlakow. He looked on in disbelief as his back pass was completely missed by Boruc, the ball bobbling on the rutted pitch and bouncing over his foot.

Northern Ireland almost made it 4-1 in the 74th minute when Gareth McAuley peeled away from his marker but headed over the bar following a corner from McCann.

Poland pulled a goal back in stoppage-time when substitute Marek Saganowski scored with a header following a cross from Jakub Wawrzyniak but it was too little, too late.