Sion Swifts striker Kirsty McGuinness was the hero for Northern Ireland as they secured a memorable 3-2 victory at home to Belarus in arguably their most important match ever.
The result means Kenny Shiels' side are now firmly in the driving for a landmark playoff spot for the European Championships ahead of next week’s game at home to the Faroe Islands.
McGuinness - playing up front alongside Crusaders striker Emily Wilson - opened the scoring for Northern Ireland with a clinical left-foot finish into the top corner.
Anastasiya Shcherbachenia hit back for Belarus and despite Rachel Furness restoring the home side’s lead from the penalty spot, Shcherbachenia levelled things up again soon after.
McGuinness was then responsible for Northern Ireland’s crucial third goal - hammering a strike that hit the post and rebounded back in off visiting goalkeeper Nataliya Voskobovich and it will likely be recorded as an own goal.
A total of six Danske Bank Women’s Premiership stars started the game - McGuinness, Wilson, Nadene Caldwell, Ashley Hutton, Julie Nelson and Marissa Callaghan - while Abbie Magee and Samantha Kelly both came on from the bench.
