Northern Ireland hosted Russia tonight at Windsor Park in a rearranged World Cup qualifier, looking for a first win in 13 matches.
Michael O'Neill's men were without Jonny Evans, Chris Brunt and Kyle Lafferty for the visit of Fabio Capello's side, but made a strong start to the tie regardless.
With Russia struggling in possession the hosts went ahead just before the break through Martin Paterson, who powered a header into the top corner from Niall McGinn's cross.
Russia were unable to produce a shot on target late on as the Irish earned a famous win, the first of their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Look back at how O'Neill gained his first win in charge of the Green and Whites with Sports Mole's minute-by-minute commentary below.
Evening international football fans. Thanks for joining Sports Mole as we bring you live text commentary of the only World Cup qualifier featuring a British side this evening, with Northern Ireland hosting Russia at Windsor Park.
Michael O'Neill's side will be looking to spring a surprise tonight against a formidable Russian side, led by former England boss Fabio Capello. O'Neill has failed to win any of his first nine games in charge of the Irish, could it be 10th time lucky against the odds in Belfast tonight?
The Irish cause has not been helped by the withdrawal of key players this evening, including skipper Chris Brunt who misses out through suspension. Kyle Lafferty has also been ruled out through injury, leaving the hosts short in attack for a daunting qualifier.
For Russia a victory tonight is absolutely imperative as they look to book a place in next summer's World Cup. Capello's side are two points behind group leaders Portugal with two games in hand, after winning four of their first five qualifiers. A win at Windsor Park will lift the visitors above Portugal into top spot, so expect little room for complacency on their part this evening.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS! Unfortunately for home fans I have word on a late omission from the Irish squad, with United defender Jonny Evans ruled out by a late illness. The Manchester United defender is not even fit enough for a place on the bench, with Craig Cathcart coming in to a reshaped back four. A full look at both starting XIs will follow in just a few moments.
NORTHERN IRELAND: Carroll, McAuley, Hughes, Cathcart, D.Lafferty, McGinn, Davis, Paterson, Ferguson, Norwood, Ward
RUSSIA: Akinfeev, Anyukov, Ignashevich, Berezutskiy, Kombarov, Denisov, Shirokov, Bystrov, Faizulin, Dzagoev Kerzhakov
With the Irish looking to end a 13-match winless streak, the late loss of Evans in central defence is a crushing blow. His absence is reportedly due to a stomach bug, with Aaron Hughes likely to move inside and partner Gareth McAuley at centre-back as a result.
With Evans out Blackpool defender Cathcart gets a late international recall, while Derby forward Jamie Ward provides cover for Lafferty in a rare start up front. Martin Paterson is back to provide support in attack, with Oliver Norwood and Shane Ferguson also included from the outset.
There is one eye-catching piece of team news to report from the Russia starting XI, with Alan Dzagoev back in favour under Capello and picked to play out wide. The 23-year-old has been largely overlooked by Capello, but after being playing for the youngsters at the European Under-21 Championship earlier this summer makes a welcome return tonight.
Capello's starting lineup tonight looks largely settled, with Dmitri Kombarov the only player picked not featuring for either Zenit St Petersburg or CSKA Moscow. Alexander Kerzakhov starts in attack for the visitors, with Roman Shirokov and Igor Denisov providing a solid, impressive platform to control possession in central midfield.
For Northern Ireland to spring a surprise tonight they need to produce a performance similar to their epic victories in years gone by. O'Neill's men were able to snatch a point in Portugal last year and need the same spirit this evening, and without question the backing of a vocal Windsor Park crowd.
Irish boss O'Neill has just confirmed that Evans picked up a stomach virus overnight, with the defender feeling poorly this morning and forced to withdraw. Evans, Lafferty and Brunt have formed the core a home side that have consistently punched above their weight in recent qualifying campaigns, but all miss out tonight.
O'Neill's side look likely to operate in a 4-5-1 formation, with Niall McGinn looking to stretch the visitors with pace on the counter. A quick piece of news from the Irish bench, with goalkeeping coach Maik Taylor has been named as a substitute ahead of Michael McGovern, with Roy Carroll deputising for the injured Alan Mannus in between the sticks.
PREDICTION: With the Northern Ireland anthem in full swing there is just time to get a prediction on the board for tonight's crucial qualifier. With injuries and suspensions rife for the hosts tonight I fully expect Russia to produce a professional, efficient performance and claim all three points. Kerzakhov should get more than enough chances to score in a 2-0 win for Capello's side.
Here we go then at Windsor Park, with Northern Ireland quickly creating a half-chance as Jamie Ward fails to make contact with a cross just behind the penalty area. His miscue helped the ball on towards goal at a trickle, with Akinfeev able to claim comfortably.
The Green and White Army maintain their positive start as Niall McGinn drifts inside, taking range from 30 yards after being allowed space. The winger's shot is hit with power but lacks accuracy, drifting at least five yards wide of the target. Russia are yet to settle as Denisov looks for Bystrov with a chipped pass down the line.
Paterson is angry with the Norwegian official after being denied the chance to burst forward by a late decision, with the forward penalised for high studs in a challenge on Berezutski. The hosts have lined up in quite an adventurous 4-4-2 judging from their early possession, as Paterson gets their third shot on target.
The first signs of Russia's attacking unit in full flow as Anyukov bombs down the right wing, finding Kerzakhov with a neat pass inside. The forward decides to shoot first time but has his effort blocked clear to safety by a strong challenge from McAuley.
Another well-timed tackle stops Russia striding forward with purpose as McAuley's last-ditch sliding challenge denies Dzagoev a free shot from 12 yards. Russia are just starting to dictate possession as Carroll comes out to stop Kerzakhov meeting Dzagoev's cutting final pass.
A combination of Davis and Cathcart do just enough to scramble clear a Fayzulin pass into the penalty area, with his shot on the follow-up flying well past Carroll's near post. At the other end McGinn beats three players in a slalom run towards the penalty area, with his shot blocked away by Ignashevich.
Russia break down the right as Shirokov and Bystrov exchange passes, but Norwood closes down the danger quickly to clear. When play resumes Carroll's goal kick goes straight out of play on the far side, with Russia taking quickly to win a free kick as Cathcart lunges in on Dzagoev.
Northern Ireland are now pressed back deep inside their own half, with McGinn dribbling out of play to give the visitors another chance to attack out wide. Russia look prepared to stay patient and probe for the opener, but their passing has been slack so far this evening in midfield.
The visitors are now in complete control of possession without conjuring up anything to worry the Northern Ireland defence, with Ignashevich spraying a stray diagonal pass out of play to end that sequence. Steve Davis goes across to help the hosts get a rest on the ball, with Paterson providing support to win a throw out wide.
Kerzakhov wins a dubious free kick in midfield after launching into a 50-50 challenge with Davis, much to the annoyance of the majority in attendance tonight at Windsor Park.
McAuley and Cathcart look relatively strong in central defence so far tonight, winning a pair of headers against Kerzakhov as Russia mix things up with a high cross into the penalty area. Neither keeper has been truly tested in the opening half hour, which will suit O'Neill's side just fine.
Russia look most dangerous when creating an overlap out wide as Shirokov helps send a high cross towards the far post. Dzagoev looks well placed to meet his delivery after ghosting into the penalty area, but misjudges a header that falls well wide of the target under pressure from Norwood.
More clever play from Dzagoev helps create space in the final third for Kerzakhov, who takes too long to unleash a strike at goal. His looping effort is blocked by a challenge from McAuley, sending the ball through to Carroll. At the other end Jamie Ward breaks clear down the left, but his cross fails to pick out McGinn at the far post.
Anyukov has just sent in quite possibly the most obvious foul throw I have ever seen, with the full-back more than embarrassed as the referee points out his mistake. When play resumes Paterson proves a willing runner in the final third, holding the ball up but failing to pick out Ward when support eventually arrives.
An optimistic chorus of 'just like watching Brazil' from the Windsor Park crowd as Norwood finds Paterson with a ball in the final third. McGinn gets up in support to help the hosts keep possession, with a tackle from Dzagoev eventually ending an encouraging spell of Irish possession.
OFF THE POST! A brilliant piece of quick thinking from Steve Davis has just sent Northern Ireland within inches of the opening goal. The captain picked out Ward with a free kick taken swiftly, allowing the Derby man space to shoot from 25 yards. His drive from distance has Akinfeev beaten all ends up but comes back off the inside of the far post, with Paterson unable to follow up on the rebound.
GOAL! Northern Ireland 1-0 Russia (Paterson)
A superb header from Paterson has just put Northern Ireland ahead just before the break. The forward was up early to meet a brilliant curling cross from McGinn, giving Akinfeev no chance as his effort arrowed into the top corner. What a moment for the forward on his return to the starting XI, giving O'Neill's men a lead they may just deserve on balance.
HALF-TIME Northern Ireland 1-0 Russia
Well after going 13 games without a win you may have forgiven Northern Ireland fans for expecting the worst tonight, but their side have produced a spirited performance so far to lead at the break. Paterson's angled header has left the Russians stunned moments before the interval, with Capello's side failing to create any meaningful chances in a quiet opening period.
The hosts could quite plausibly be two goals up at the interval, if Ward's stinging drive from range hadn't come back off the post to safety. McGinn, Davis and Norwood have been energetic and industrious in the first 45 minutes, while Hughes and Catchart have managed to compensate for losing Evans by clearing everything thrown their way.
Anything less than a win will be nothing short of disaster for Russia tonight, so expect some harsh words from Capello at the break, once translated to his players anyway. The visitors have kept the ball well without providing any penetration in the final third, with Kerzakhov largely isolated in attack.
When play resumes I expect the Russians to send Dzagoev further forward in support of Kerzakhov, with Anyukov and Kombarov given licence to get forward from full-back on either flank. Northern Ireland must defend deep with the same spirit and look for McGinn, Paterson and Ward to relive pressure on the break.
Just a reminder before play resumes that Russia need a win tonight to go top of Group F, with tonight the first of two games in hand on group leaders Portugal. Northern Ireland will get their first win in 13 and a maiden victory for boss O'Neill if they can hold on, but with 45 minutes to play that remains an almighty if.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Capello's former nemesis Dzagoev has taken the flak for the Russian's deficit at the break, with the visitors making a double change at the break. Real Madrid B midfielder Cheryshev is on in his place, while Dzyuba has replaced Kerzakhov in attack.
That double change has certainly improved Russian urgency early in the second half, with Cheryshev quickly showing pace and a neat touch out wide to find Fayzulin. Northern Ireland smash clear through McAuley, who has been outstanding so far tonight.
Russia win a free kick just outside the penalty area as Davis brings down Shirokov with a late challenge from behind. A cue of players are waiting to take this free kick, but there is an enforced break in play as substitute Cheryshev receives treatment on the far side for a knee injury.
Shirokov tries a cheeky effort towards the bottom corner after winning the battle to take a free kick, with his effort deflected wide by the wall. Russia have been forced to use their third substitute already with Cheryshev unable to carry on. Samedov is on in his place, which should force the visitors into another change of shape as they chase the match.
McAuley and Norwood make successive interceptions as the Irish retrieve possession, with Anyukov's cross gathered by Carroll as Russia's struggles in the final third continue. A welcome attack for the hosts then sees Davis launch long to Ward out wide, with Paterson eventually winning a corner kick after more strong running.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Northern Ireland are furious as Paterson is denied a second goal by a late flag from the linesman. The forward gambled to beat Anyukov at the back side, but wild celebrations are brought to an abrupt end by an offside call from the referee's assistant.
YELLOW CARD! The referee is quickly involved again as Daniel Lafferty is booked just outside the penalty area. The full-back is slightly fortunate to get away with just a caution after petulantly tripping Dzyuba off the ball.
Paterson takes out some earlier frustration on the linesman after again being flagged offside in the final third. At the other end Bystrov lashes a cross into the penalty area, with McAuley just able to hack clear under pressure from Dzyuba.
Ferguson helps alleviate some pressure for the hosts after chasing a down a diagonal pass on the left wing. Anyukov senses the danger and hacks clear, with Ward up in support and able to a win a corner kick in the next passage of play. Before the corner can be taken the referee wants a word with Paterson, presumably for pushing inside the area.
Dare I say it Northern Ireland look relatively comfortable at the moment, with Dzyuba looking every bit as isolated since coming on as Kerzakhov did earlier. Just as a I type defensive stalwart McAuley goes down with an ankle injury and looks unlikely to continue.
Thankfully for home fans McAuley is back on his feet and prepared to continue, with the Baggies defender limping back to defend inside his own penalty area. When play resumes Lafferty shows quick reactions to dispossess Bystrov out wide, winning a free kick soon after as he's clipped by the winger.
YELLOW CARDS! Paterson and Berezutski have both just been cautioned after a wrestling match inside the Russia penalty area. Both men were aiming to make first contact after Akinfeev spilled Ferguson's curling cross, but the referee decides both men deserve a booking for pushing and pulling in a goalmouth scramble.
The first sign of quality from Shirokov since the break, sliding a clever pass towards Kombarov just inside the penalty area. He attempts to cut inside on a favoured right foot, but gets his touch all wrong, allowing Davis to intercept and smash clear. Just over 10 minutes now for the hosts to cling on for a famous victory.
Ward and Paterson lead successive breaks clear for the Irish, with Ward eventually crowded out by Berezutski. Russia then launch a break at other end through Shirokov, who skews a wayward effort well wide from 25 yards. O'Neill will be delighted to see the visitors restricted to strikes from range at this late stage.
SUBSTITUTION: Northern Ireland make their first change to provide fresh legs in midfield. McGinn is the player to come off after a superb effort out wide, which included providing the cross for Paterson's opener. He is replaced by Corry Evans, who should provide Aaron Hughes with extra cover in the closing stages.
SUBSTITUTION: Another change for the Irish and a well-earned rest for Paterson, who trudges off to a rapturous reception. Will Grigg is on to replace the striker for his competitive international debut.
You would expect a late Russian onslaught as we head towards stoppage time, but a woeful pass out wide from Shirokov sends the ball trickling out of play. A bizarre hamstring injury for Northern Ireland goalkeeper Carroll has delayed play for now, as the Olympiacos stopper receives treatment in the penalty area.
Carroll recovers and immediately gets involved when play resumes, coming out to claim a cross from Samedov. The fourth official has signalled four minutes of added time, with Northern Ireland on the brink of a famous victory.
Ferguson punts the ball clear as Russia are forced to go route one in the dying moments. McAuley is just able to smash clear when the cross comes in, with the whistle going soon after for a free-kick against the visitors for pushing by substitute Dzubya. Almost there now for Northern Ireland!
FULL-TIME Northern Ireland 1-0 Russia
The final whistle goes and what a moment for Northern Ireland coach Michael O'Neill, who wins his first match in charge at the 10th time of asking. Russia failed to muster a shot on target in the whole match, with a smart header from Paterson enough to earn the hosts their first win in this World Cup qualifying campaign.
When you take into account the players missing for Northern Ireland tonight it makes a shock victory all the more special. Jonny Evans, Kyle Lafferty and captain Chris Brunt were all out for various reasons this evening, but a young starting XI outplayed their experienced visitors to add another Windsor Park scalp to the growing list.
Russia's woeful display means that Capello will be under severe pressure when qualifying resumes, with his side still two points behind group leaders Russia as the business end of World Cup qualifying draws near.
That just about brings an end to Sports Mole's coverage of a famous night in Belfast for the hosts, who end their 13-match winless streak in some style. Thanks for your time and be sure to stay in touch for comprehensive coverage from each and every match that mattered tonight. Good evening.
