Adam Chapman scored a sensational opening goal for NI

A sensational first-half goal by Adam Chapman set Northern Ireland on their way to a 2-1 victory over Chile in the Elite Final at the Milk Cup.

After Chile had missed early chances, Chapman struck an amazing opener with a lob from nearly halfway which beat goalkeeper Fabian Cerda on 15 minutes.

The superb Andrew Little hit Northern Ireland's second four minutes later.

Sub David Llanos pulled a goal back for Chile on 52 minutes but Northern Ireland held out for a superb victory.

Northern Ireland made a nervous start with goalkeeper Chris McCluskey rescued by by Liam McMenamin's clearance after he had dropped a Eduardo Vargas free-kick.

Vargas then should have put the South Americans ahead when he headed over from pointblank range in the third minute.

Chapman then produced a vital block in the 12th minute which prevented Vargas getting in a close-range shot.

Gradually, the home side began to impose themselves on the contest and Chilean goalkeeper Cerda made a good save to deny Jamie Lawrie.

Andrew Little scored Northern Ireland's second goal at Coleraine

However, Cerda's clearance went straight to Chapman on halfway and the Northern Ireland defender produced a Beckham-like lob over the keeper which flew into the net from all of 45 yards.

The Northern Ireland lead was doubled four minutes later when the superb Little latched on to a long ball, beat two challenges and then hammered a low shot past Cerda.

Cerda somewhat atoned for his earlier blunder by making two great saves to deny Little and James McLean in quick succession.

The Chilean defence was having huge trouble in dealing with Northern Ireland's aerial strength but the visitors gradually regained their composure before the break.

Goalkeeper McCloskey produced a great double-save to deny Sagredo and Vargas and the latter Chilean blazed a great chance over the bar and also hit the woodwork with a magnificent shot.

The Chileans hit the woodwork again straight after half-time with McCluskey also getting a vital touch.

Lawrie was inches away from heading a third goal for Northern Ireland but Chile were back in the game when substitute Llanos pulled a goal back on 52 minutes with a close-range volley.

Vargos struck the woodwork again two minutes later, with McCluskey, again, getting a crucial touch.

However, Northern Ireland continued to create chances and Little headed inches wide on 57 minutes and was then denied by a superb block by Arce on the hour.

Chile dominated possession in the closing 20 minutes but the home side held out to claim Northern Ireland's first Milk Cup Elite title since 1997.