Dallas keeps dream alive

STUART DALLAS savoured the most important goal he thinks he may ever score after Northern Ireland inched closer to the World Cup on Saturday. The Leeds winger netted for Michael O’Neill’s side in injury time to earn a 1-0 victory over Azerbaijan when at times it looked as if their depleted ranks would be fortunate to return home with a point. And Northern Ireland are now four points clear in second place in Group C, ahead of September’s games against San Marino and the Czech Republic. ‘I probably haven’t had a better night in football,’ Dallas said. ‘It will take a lot to beat that. It could be the biggest goal I ever score.’ Northern Ireland looked sapped towards the end of the game in Baku, where temperatures during the day neared 30°C. But Dallas composed himself when Jonny Evans’ pass reached him and his strike sent the travelling fans into a state of delirium. ‘I was going to take a touch and hit it with my left but I was tired,’ Dallas explained. ‘It was a long 90 minutes. But I had to hit the target and thankfully I did.’ As sweet as the victory was for O’Neill’s side, it was harsh on the hosts, who spurned glorious chances and enjoyed nearly 70 per cent of possession. And Dallas knows his team were hanging on prior to his crucial contribution. ‘We probably didn’t deserve to win the game. But when chances come along you have to take them.’ Defender Aaron Hughes added: ‘Three points gives us that extra little step up. It puts us in a really good position in the group.’