Devlin winner puts Northern Ireland within reach of League A

Northern Ireland beat Ukraine 1-0 at Windsor Park on Saturday, with Terry Devlin's second-half goal returning the hosts to the top of their Nations League group. BBC Sport's match report described a contest settled by a long-range finish and a crucial late intervention from goalkeeper Pierce Charles.

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Jamie Donley had put the ball in the net in the 23rd minute, but VAR ruled his effort out for offside. His chance followed an Isaac Price shot that had deflected off Ethan Galbraith. Ukraine goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin subsequently stopped efforts from Donley and Shea Charles as the game remained goalless.

The breakthrough came in the 68th minute after Northern Ireland worked a short corner across the edge of the penalty area. Devlin curled a shot from 25 yards beyond Trubin. Ukraine threatened an equaliser in the 90th minute when Olexiy Kashchuk supplied Danylo Sikan, only for Pierce Charles to save with his feet and preserve the lead.

BBC Sport NI's separate post-match report said a draw or victory in Hungary on Tuesday would take Northern Ireland into League A for the first time. A promotion play-off is already assured at minimum. Hungary had won earlier on Saturday, making Northern Ireland's response essential to retaining control of the race to finish first in Group B2.

Manager Michael O'Neill praised Devlin's adaptability and contribution in front of goal. The 23-year-old Portsmouth player scored his first senior international goal in a starting side whose average age was 22.9. Eight starters were 23 or younger. Northern Ireland have now completed five matches in this Nations League campaign without conceding.

The win also brought suspensions that will affect the decisive trip to Budapest. O'Neill and Donley received yellow cards and will watch Tuesday's match from the stands, according to the BBC report. O'Neill acknowledged that losing the forward would hurt his team, while expressing confidence that he could still influence proceedings despite being kept away from the touchline.