Washington starts for NI v Slovenia (28.3.16)

For those of you with Sky the match is on channel 972.

 

Watching it now. He hasn't been mentioned much. He'll probably go and score now.

 

He almost scored. Went by a defender only the keeper to beat but a tight angle and the keeper made a good save with his legs.

 

Goal for Conor

 

Long punt down the middle. He beats the centre half to it, turns inside another defender and buries the ball to the centre of the goal. That's him on the plane to France.

 

Showed great strength, pace and composure, sad that JFH wants to set up with a big lump up front to play hoof ball to

 

Does that mean he has scored for his country before he has scored for us???

 

He walked off the pitch at half time with a big broad smile.

 

Yessss

 

Washington has looked isolated when played on his own for us while Polter, like him or loathe him, gives defenders a much tougher time and chips in with goals. Polter is there on merit.

 

It'll probably mean another shedload of readies for Peterborough and he's done little for us yet...

 

I was wondering if this ever happened before? Anybody know?

 

Washington will prove to be a decent striker, however whilst we are determined to heave it up to Polter to hold the ball up and bring others into play(with hilarious consequences at times) Washington will not get a game (anyone who witnessed Sheff Wed away will testify to the fact Washington cannot play as a lone striker). You have to question why we would buy Washington when our tactics would supplement a big bloke purchase

 

I think it's a bit harsh to say our tactic is just to lump it to Polter.

Washington strikes me as a versatile player. Not a lone striker but good in a two, in Chery's position or even coming in off the left.

 

Created a fantastic chance for Chery on his debut cutting in off the left, but not given a full 90minutes in that position (I think) after the Wolves game.

 

For anybody not watching, Roy Carroll saved a penno. Washington got a great ovation when subbed after 69 minutes.

 

Maybe give him a chance and he will.

 

Wasn't able to catch the match, but fantastic for Washington, he must be so elated at this performance (and Michael O'Neil).

First we had a bricklayer, now a postie....

"Washington, the former postman who was playing non-league football just over four years ago"

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QPR striker Washington made his international debut in the 1-1 draw in Wales on Thursday
Conor Washington marked his home debut by earning Euro 2016-bound Northern Ireland victory over Slovenia in Monday's friendly at Windsor Park.

The QPR striker, 23, charged his way through and turned to shoot low past keeper Jan Oblak in the 42nd minute.

Northern Ireland have now gone 10 games unbeaten for the first time.

Slovenia had a chance to equalise in the second half but veteran keeper Roy Carroll superbly saved Milivoje Novakovic's penalty.

The 66th-minute spot-kick was awarded when West Brom defender Jonny Evans pulled back Miral Samardzic as a corner came into the area.

Notts County keeper Carroll made another fine stop in the 89th minute to keep out a low shot by Valter Birsa.

Follow all the post-match reaction from Belfast

Washington's 'pick me' performance
Washington, the former postman who was playing non-league football just over four years ago, earned his second cap after making his debut in Thursday's 1-1 draw away to Wales.

Boss Michael O'Neill has said the bulk of his squad will be made up by the players who got Northern Ireland to their first major finals for 30 years, so there are only a few precious places up for grabs by those on the periphery.

But Washington has certainly put his hand up for inclusion.

Those fans wondering why the match-shy Kyle Lafferty did not start forgot all about that when the hard-working Washington bulldozed his way through to finish well for the only goal of the night.

NI have got that winning feeling
Northern Ireland going 10 matches unbeaten is a nice record for O'Neill to reflect on but, from his perspective, the result mattered more because it keeps momentum going as the Euro 2016 finals edge closer.

Thursday's draw in Cardiff and this slender victory maintains the feel-good factor.

It all breeds confidence and, if they can come through their final two warm-up games without losing, Northern Ireland can head to Euro 2016 in fine spirits.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/35859389

 

Didn't realise he was a former postman playing non-league not that long ago.
Reminds me of that other fella that used to play for us. Charlie someone??