Northern Ireland snatch dramatic win in Georgia | OneFootball

Northern Ireland produced a remarkable late winner to beat Georgia 1-0 in Tbilisi and make a perfect start to their Nations League B campaign.

The visitors survived a difficult spell after half-time, largely thanks to Pierce Charles. The goalkeeper first denied Georges Mikautadze from close range before producing the decisive moment of the night, keeping out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s penalty.

Georgia were awarded the spot-kick after VAR sent referee Orel Grinfeeld to the monitor to review a tussle between Daniel Ballard and Luka Lochoshvili. Kvaratskhelia stepped up, but his weak attempt was pushed away by Charles.

Northern Ireland had opportunities themselves, with Shea Charles unable to capitalise on several openings before finally making the breakthrough deep into added time.

Trai Hume’s long throw caused chaos in the Georgia box, and Charles reacted quickest to bundle the ball past Giorgi Mamardashvili. There was a nervous wait while VAR checked the effort for offside, but the goal eventually stood.

Hume had earlier made an important contribution at the other end, clearing Giorgi Kvernadze’s header off the line.

The victory gives Michael O'Neill's side their first away win in the Nations League, with Hungary next up in Belfast.

Incidents: The story of the match

Geórgia Official Line-ups:

Giorgi Mamardashvili, Otar Kakabadze, Lasha Dvali, Saba Goglichidze, Luka Lochoshvili, Saba Kharebashvili, Anzor Mekvabishvili, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Georges Mikautadze, Giorgi Kvernadze, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Irl. Norte Official Line-ups:

Pierce Charles, Trai Hume, Ciaron Brown, Tom Atcheson, Daniel Ballard, Shea Charles, Jamie Donley, Isaac Price, Ethan Galbraith, Patrick Kelly, Justin Devenny

1':

The match begins

65':

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia) fails a penalty-kick!

Northern Ireland takes the lead 1-0 against Georgia. Shea Charles scores with a right-footed shot from the center of the box into the top right corner, assisted by Trai Hume's cross. The goal is confirmed after a VAR review.

90 +9':

GOAL Northern Ireland: Shea Charles (Northern Ireland) scores!

Shea Charles scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match