Wright’s lads hit back to secure a stunning victory in Serbia
SERBIA U21
NORTHERN IRELAND U21 1 2
SECOND-HALF goals from Charlie Allen and Craig Farquhar saw Northern Ireland Under-21s come from behind to stun Serbia 2-1 and claim only their second win of their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign.
Serbia’s first-half dominance had been rewarded with a goal from Stefan Mitrovic six minutes before the break, but Tommy Wright’s side were much brighter after the break.
Allen levelled in the 56th minute before Farquhar headed what proved to be the winner, 19 minutes from time — lifting Northern Ireland up to fourth in Group F while Serbia remain five points behind second-placed England, having played a game more.
Wright made a number of changes to the sides that lost in a friendly to Czechia last week, bringing in Farquhar alongside keeper Pierce Charles, Darren Robinson and Patrick Kelly to the starting XI.
Serbia kept Northern Ireland under pressure for much of the first half, with Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Charles — brother of senior international Shea — doing well to deny Vanja Vlahovic following a defensive mistake 16 minutes in before Aljosa Vasic headed a good chance over.
The pressure finally paid off in the 40th minute when a neat pass from Aleksa Matic put Mitrovic through on goal.
Charles was quickly out to meet him, but the Serbian’s shot clipped the goalkeeper and looped into the net. Northern Ireland had a chance to level just before the break, but Farquhar headed wide from his Crystal Palace team-mate Justin Devenny’s free-kick. But the visitors were back on level terms 11 minutes into the second half with their best move of the match.
Allen clinically swept the ball into the net from around 12 yards out after Sean Stewart went on a darting run down the left to supply the killer cross. Vlahovic went close to an immediate response but scooped over from Mitrovic’s cross in front of goal, and Northern Ireland made the most of the let off as Farquhar got up to meet Devenny’s corner and send a looping head over the reach of Vejlko Ilic. Vlahovic had a chance to equalise when the ball fell to him on the edge of the area deep into stoppage-time, but his shot was straight at Charles.
⬤ Northern Ireland U-17s defeated Hungary 3-1 in their Euro 2024 Elite Round qualifier.
Cole Brannigan, Ryan Corrigan and Braiden Graham scored for Andy Waterworth’s side.