Northern Ireland left it late before beating San Marino 3-0 to strengthen their position in World Cup Qualifying Group C on Friday
Josh Magennis broke San Marino's resistance in the 70th minute and then headed in a second shortly afterwards
Steven Davis scored the third from the penalty spot to secure Northern Ireland a fourth successive win for the first time in their history
With other results in the group also going their way, Northern Ireland can now guarantee a top-two finish, and likely at least a play-off berth, if they avoid defeat against Czech Republic at Windsor Park on Monday
Czech Republic should provide a different test to San Marino, who frustrated Northern Ireland for much of the match but offered no threat at all up front themselves
Davis fired wide in the second minute for the visitors before Oliver Norwood sent a looping header past the post and Magennis failed to hit the target with a header from a corner
The visitors created more chances towards the end of the half but Conor Washington dragged an effort wide and then Magennis headed against the inside of the post
Chances continued to come and go after half-time as San Marino's hopes of holding out for only their second competitive clean sheet increased
But their resistance was eventually broken in the 70th minute when Davis kept alive a rebound and crossed for Magennis to turn in from close range
Magennis added a second shortly afterwards, nodding in from Washington's cross, before Davis slid in a penalty after the ball hit Alex Gasperoni's hand
After heading against the post and missing a couple of other chances, Magennis finally got the breakthrough for Northern Ireland in the 70th minute, finishing from close range after he had seen a header kept out by the impressive Aldo Simoncini
The Charlton striker then added a second to cap off a positive performance that saw him pose a constant threat with his power and aerial strength
Northern Ireland face a crunch clash with Czech Republic at Windsor Park on Monday
 If Michael O'Neill's side avoid defeat they will be assured of a top-two finish in the group
After facing the Czechs, Northern Ireland host Germany in October before traveling to Norway
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