Devlin winner lifts Northern Ireland past Ukraine as first League A promotion nears

Terry Devlin scored his first goal for Northern Ireland as a 1-0 victory over Ukraine at Windsor Park on Saturday left Michael O'Neill's side within a point of promotion to Nations League A. According to BBC Sport NI's match coverage, a draw in Hungary on Tuesday would secure their first appearance in the competition's top tier, with a promotion play-off already guaranteed.

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The breakthrough came in the 68th minute, when Devlin collected possession near the edge of the penalty area and sent his shot into the corner. Jamie Donley had earlier put the ball in the net, only for his first-half effort to be disallowed for offside. Devlin's strike ended Northern Ireland's wait for a home goal in this campaign after goalless draws against Hungary and Georgia in Belfast.

Goalkeeper Pierce Charles then helped protect the advantage with a late reflex save from Danylo Sikan. Northern Ireland have now kept clean sheets in all five of their group matches, while Charles has gone 466 minutes without conceding for the national side. O'Neill credited the goalkeeper's decision-making and his understanding with the defence, alongside his ability to make important saves when required.

Devlin, 23, was part of a starting line-up with an average age of 22.9, including eight players aged 23 or younger. The Portsmouth player began his senior career with Dungannon Swifts and moved to the English club in 2023 after playing for Glentoran. O'Neill praised his versatility, with Devlin able to operate in midfield or at full-back on either side, and highlighted his contribution in front of goal.

The win came at a disciplinary cost. O'Neill and Donley both received bookings that rule them out of Tuesday's game, with the manager set to watch from the stands. BBC Sport NI reported that both cautions followed reactions to refereeing decisions. O'Neill said Donley's absence would be a setback after the forward's performance against Ukraine.

Hungary's earlier victory in Georgia had increased the pressure before kick-off, but Northern Ireland's response kept control of the Group B2 promotion race in their own hands. Before this campaign, they had won only once in 16 Nations League matches at League B level. They now head to Budapest with the opportunity to complete successive promotions by avoiding defeat.