Northern Ireland overcome Latvia in U21 qualifier

Northern Ireland now have six games remaining in Group F

Northern Ireland beat Latvia 1-0 in their Euro Under-21 Championship qualifying match at the Oval.

Sam Glenfield's free-kick in the 60th minute proved enough to seal the crucial three points for the home side.

The result means that Northern Ireland leapfrog Germany and Georgia and move up to second position in Group F.

Tommy Wright's side now face group leaders Greece in Livadia on Tuesday, 18 November.

During a first half of few chances, Nikita Parfjonovs made a good save to stop Tom Atcheson's header before Stephen McMullan denied Valerijs Lizunovs' shot at the other end.

Before the break, Tommy Fogarty nodded Glenfield's delivery into the box narrowly wide.

Northern Ireland took the lead on the hour mark after Eoin Kenny was fouled just outside the box and Glenfield fired the resulting free-kick into the top corner.

Russell and Kirk both came close to doubling Northern Ireland's advantage shortly after but couldn't keep their efforts on target.

In the closing stages of the game, another good save from stopper McMullan denied Lativia a goal with the away side's wait for their first win of the campaign continuing.