Opening blitz fires Northern Irish hopes

Northern Ireland's aspirations of a first ever UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-off appearance are very much alive after three goals in the opening 13 minutes set up a 3-0 victory against Moldova.

Goalscoring seam
Roy Millar's side claimed a 5-0 win over Luxembourg on Friday, and continued to mine that rich goalscoring seam on their return to Mourneview Park. Michael O'Connor got the opener after just two minutes and then Jamie Ward curled a fine shot in off the post. The match was all but over on 13 minutes when David Buchanan skipped past the defence before lifting his shot over the keeper to make it 3-0. There was no way back for Moldova, as Northern Ireland ensured they go into the new year top of Group 9 two points ahead of Germany, though they have played two more games.