Norwood double sees off San Marino
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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San Marino 0-3 Northern Ireland
Oliver Norwood, 18, was the visitors' star as he scored twice to secure his side their second Group 5 win against San Marino.
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Oliver Norwood was Northern Ireland's star as he scored twice in a 3-0 win against Group 5's bottom side San Marino.
Occupying the last two places in the section, both teams are out of the running for UEFA European Under-21 qualification, but the visitors pulled four points clear of their hosts with Norwood's two goals coming either side of a James Lawrie strike.
Lawrie created the game's first chance when he got to the byline and squared for Billy McKay who was denied by Federico Casadei. Norwood, 18, then broke the deadlock in Serravalle after 24 minutes firing in first-time from Lee Hodson's cross.
Lawrie added the second on 38 minutes, tapping in after McKay's lob came back off the crossbar, before Manchester United FC midfielder Norwood struck again late on – his fourth goal in three qualifying appearances.