Terry Devlin’s superb 68th-minute strike against Ukraine has left Northern Ireland one game from history, with promotion to League A of the Nations League now firmly in their own hands. The Portsmouth defender collected the ball on the edge of the area at Windsor Park and drove it into the corner, sending the Belfast crowd into raptures and securing a first home win — and first home goal — of a campaign that has become a genuine feel-good story.
Michael O’Neill’s side had yet to concede a goal heading into Saturday’s clash, but home draws with Hungary and Georgia had left them searching for a breakthrough in front of their own supporters. They thought they had found it in the first half when Jamie Donley slotted home, only for the forward to be denied by the offside flag. Devlin’s moment duly arrived after the break, and he took it with the conviction of a player seizing his opportunity.
The result means a draw or better in Hungary would secure promotion to League A for the first time in Northern Ireland’s history. It is a remarkable position for a squad that has built its campaign on defensive resilience and now possesses the attacking spark to match.
O’Neill was quick to praise the 23-year-old match-winner, describing him as “a bit of a dream” to manage. “Terry’s a great lad. He deserves everything he’ll get from the game and he’s one of those lads that maximises what he has,” the Northern Ireland boss said.
Devlin’s first international goal could yet prove the defining moment of a campaign. Northern Ireland travel to Hungary knowing their fate rests entirely with them — and with a manager’s dream delivering when it mattered most.
