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Brown’s two goals helped a young Northern Ireland side win in Slovakia and move three points clear at the top of Nations League B2.
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Ciaron Brown scored twice as Northern Ireland beat Ukraine 3-0 in Trnava, Slovakia. He opened the scoring in the ninth minute after a knockdown by Ruairi McConville. A cross from Kieran Morrison, the 19-year-old making his first start, led to Isaac Price’s goal before Brown headed in again with 30 minutes left. [1]
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill singled out centre-backs McConville and Tom Atcheson afterwards, telling BBC Sport: “They have no ceiling, to be honest.” He said the two Championship players were ready for a higher level. [1]
BBC Sport put the starting side’s average age at 22, the youngest recorded for Northern Ireland since the Second World War. Brown was the only starter older than 25, and the win brought a third successive clean sheet. [1]
Northern Ireland now have seven points from three matches, three clear of Hungary and Ukraine. They are due to host Georgia at Windsor Park on Monday. Finishing top of the group would give them a first promotion to League A and affect their Euro 2028 qualifying route. [1]
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