N Ireland crush hapless Georgia

Lafferty double boosts Northern Ireland

Last updated: 26th March 2008

N Ireland crush hapless Georgia

Lafferty and Healy celebrate the opener

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Two goals from Kyle Lafferty helped Northern Ireland on their way to a 4-1 victory over Georgia.

David Healy was also on the mark at either end as Nigel Worthington's side swept aside their hapless opponents at Windsor Park.

Healy was given a special award by Uefa president Michel Platini before the

match in honour of his scoring exploits in Euro 2008 qualifying, but he missed a string of chances before Burnley striker Lafferty finished a neat move for the opener.

Dominated

The home side dominated from the off but it took them until the 25th minute to break the deadlock after the Georgians gave away the ball in defence.

Healy fed Steven Davis, who squared for Lafferty to score his fourth international goal with a first-time shot from 10 yards.

The Fulham striker did finally register with a deflected long-range shot before Lafferty headed a third, his second, as the Georgians capitulated before the break.

The home team lost momentum badly after the break following a string of substitutions.

Penalty

It was during this spell that the visitors won a 54th minute penalty when debutant Michael O'Connor handled a cross.

Maik Taylor made a save low to his right to tip Levan Tskitishvili's spot-kick on to the post but Healy only managed to slide the ball into his own net as he tried to clear.

Peter Thompson bundled in a late fourth for the hosts after Aaron Hughes' flick-on caused panic in the Georgian defence.