WORLD CUP GROUP THREE: Northern Ireland 4 (Healy 30, McCann 43, Lafferty 56, Davis 75) San Marino 0:DAVID HEALY is up and running in the World Cup qualifying campaign - and so are Northern Ireland.
The Sunderland striker's first goal in four matches coincided with the North's first victory - and their biggest win in 13 years.
It was a comfortable one at that, although they had to wait until the 30th minute before Healy made the breakthrough.
Northern Ireland grew in confidence with Grant McCann, Kyle Lafferty and Steven Davis all finding the target.
Healy had his first chance of the match on 16 minutes but sent his effort wide of the post after being set up by Keith Gillespie.
The side got their reward for their hard work in the 30th minute when Healy made the breakthrough after a marauding run by George McCartney.
He picked out McCann, who in turn squared the ball to Healy. The striker reacted quickly and got a touch of luck, his effort taking a couple of deflections before the ball nestled in the net.
It was Healy's 35th goal in 69 appearances and the timing could not have been more welcome.
McCann added the second in the 42nd minute, expertly drilling his effort home from the edge of area after being set up by Healy.
Northern Ireland were intent on improving their goal ratio and Gareth McAuley got clear at the back post in the 48th minute. However, the Ipswich full back was off-balance and his header drifted wide.
McCann then whipped a delightful ball into the penalty area after 53 minutes but there was no one to take advantage.
Healy, who has not played much at Sunderland, was looking sharper as the game progressed. He turned quickly a minute later only to see his effort taken quickly by the goalkeeper.
Lafferty made it 3-0 in the 56th minute following a blunder by the goalkeeper, who pushed a weak shot from Healy into the path of the Rangers striker.
San Marino's troubles increased in the 63rd minute when they were reduced to 10 men with Mauro Marani sent off for lashing out at Michael O'Connor.
Rangers midfielder Davis made it 4-0 in the 75th minute with a cool finish following good work from Lafferty.
Substitute Martin Paterson found the net in stoppage time but his effort was disallowed for an infringement.
NORTHERN IRELAND:Taylor, Baird, Hughes, McAuley, McCartney, Gillespie, Davis, O'Connor, McCann, Healy, Lafferty. Subs: McGivern, Mannus, Gault, Feeney, Shiels, Paterson, Thompson.
SAN MARINO:Federico Valentini, Carlo Valentini, Mauro Marani, Albani, Della Valle, Bacciocchi, Bonini, Michele Marani, Manuel Marani, Selva, Vannucci. Subs:Simonlini, Matteo Vitaioli, Fabio Vitaioli, Valli, Nanni, Cibelli, Andreini.
Referee:Petteri Kari (Finland)
