Thompson helps Baraclough’s boys make point

NORTHERN Ireland’s Under-21s battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Finland in the second match of their Euro 2021 qualifying campaign.

After a frustrating goalless draw at home to Malta on Friday, Ian Baraclough’s team had to settle for another point, but produced a spirited display to earn reward from this Group Eight fixture.

Finland, fresh from a 2-0 win over Ukraine, needed only four minutes to open the scoring in Finland Ukraine Denmark N Ireland Malta Romania 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1

F3 2 2 1 0 1

A1 2 1 1 4 2

4 3 3 2 1 0

Finland 1 Northern Ireland 1; Denmark 2 Romania 1

Oulu and it looked set to be a long night for the visitors.

Northern Ireland captain and goalkeeper Conor Hazard made a fine save, but Onni Valakari was on hand to fire in the rebound.

It failed to deter Baraclough’s side and Stoke midfielder Jake Dunwoody hit the post before the away team did level.

William Jaaskelainen, son of former Bolton stopper Jussi, denied Ethan Galbraith, but Lewis Thompson forced the ball home in the 35th minute on his second competitive appearance for the Under-21s.

The goalscorer was replaced at the break by Kyle McLean before Northern Ireland pressed for a second goal.

Finland remained a threat, though, and Hazard was called into action to deny Saku Ylatupa from a dangerous position in the 55th minute.

Both sides were pushing for the pivotal third goal and Jaaskelainen ensured Dunwoody did not grab it with a great save.

Northern Ireland manager Baraclough then made two more changes with Jack Scott and Cameron Palmer introduced in the 70th minute.

Callum Ferris joined them on the pitch with 14 minutes left and Finland’s Valakari was presented with a chance soon after, but saw his effort go wide.

It would prove the final genuine opportunity and means Northern Ireland remain unbeaten after two games with a tally of two points ahead of trips to Denmark and Romania next month.

In the group’s other game last night, Andreas Olsen’s double was enough for Denmark to open their campaign with a 2-1 win over Romania in Aalborg.