YOUNG GUN SEALS LAST MINUTE WIN

Iceland U21 0 NI U21 1

NORTHERN Ireland moved a step closer to the European Under-21 Championship play-offs thanks to Daniel Ballard’s last minute winner in Iceland.

The Arsenal teenager headed in from a corner the only goal of the game - to set up a crucial final group game at Windsor Park on Tuesday evening, against Slovakia (kick-off 7.30pm).

All nine group winners make it directly into the finals with the four bestplaced runners-up entering play-offs.

In Northern Ireland’s Group 2, Spain have all-but secured top spot, leaving the Boys In Green vying with Slovakia for second place so a win over their rivals next week will be needed to finish behind the Spaniards.

Then Ian Baraclough (above) and his youngsters have to hope they do not finish with the lowest points total of the nine runners-up to set up a play-off.

Rory Holden, currently on loan at Barrow from Bristol City, launched the best move of the second half with a Cruyff turn and a pass up to Everton’s Shayne Lavery, whose dangerous cross into the box was well defended.

NI also had a penalty appeal during the second period when Jordan Thompson was brought down but the shouts were waved away by Danish referee Jens Maae.

Their hosts weren’t without their own threat and almost took the lead on the half-time whistle but Ballard cleared it off the line, setting the stage for his own late winner.