Northern Ireland 1
Slovenia 0

All the talk was about the new boys, especially Conor Washington the striker making his first appearance in front of the Windsor Park faithful. Fermanagh were to get a look-in with fans ready to see if striker Kyle Lafferty would be refreshed by news of his loan move to Birmingham City in the Championship.
But on the night, it was an old favourite, keeper Roy Carroll who put his hand out – literally – and told manager Michael O’Neill “I haven’t gone away, you know.”
Carroll, the elder statesman of the side, still showed he can do a job. Not only did he dive to his right to brilliantly save a 64th minute penalty from Slovenian hitman, Miral Samardiz, the netminder also ensured victory in the 89th minute with an excellent save low down to his left. And generally, Carroll looked composed all evening.
Northern Ireland are well served in the goalkeeping department, both their top men coming from Fermanagh. In Cardiff, last Thursday evening, Michael McGovern performed well against Wales, only being beaten by a last minute penalty which gave the home side a 1-1. Craig Cathcart had earlier given Northern Ireland the lead.
Lafferty got through 81 minutes in Wales, and although he looked a little rusty, the camp is boosted by the news that Kyle has agreed a deal to help Birmingham in their push for a play-off place for the Premier League.
By Monday evening, the new Windsor Park was full apart from the Kop end where another new stand is taking shape.
Conor Washington, taken off at half-time in Cardiff, started the game alongside Jamie Ward with Lafferty given a late run.
The crowd took to Washington, particularly his no-nonsense strong running style. And when he outmuscled the Slovenian defence in the 41st minute, he then showed composure to slot in a great goal.
The game was feisty enough for a friendly, and Washington’s efforts were enough to gain him the sponsor, Vauxhall’s man of the match award. But the crowd sang Carroll’s praises, recognising that his saves ensured victory which meant Northern Ireland created a bit of history, going ten games without defeat for the first time ever.
Northern Ireland have one home game, against Belarus, and an away game against Slovakia before they head to France in June.