Northern Ireland boss Gerard Lyttle hailed his Under 19s after beating Kazahkstan 2-1 in their final Euro qualifier on Tuesday afternoon.
Ciaran McGuckin and Oisin Conaty got the goals to earn a spirited win in the Czech Republic.
It was some reward for Lyttle's emerging side following opening defeats to Denmark (2-0) and the Czechs (2-0).
"We've created a lot of chances over the space of two games and today, again, we've created a lot of opportunities," Lyttle told the Irish FA website.
"We've hit the crossbar and we've also had a goal disallowed and their 'keeper has had to make six or seven saves.
"The boys who have come on have made a real impact. Conaty of Portadown was excellent and McGuckin came on and produced a really calm finish for his goal. Overall I'm delighted but we have a lot of work to do as well.
"The big thing is it's good to get the first win."
Northern Ireland's best chance of the opening half came when captain Dale Taylor rattled the crossbar.
All three goals came after the break.
Northern Ireland broke the deadlock in the 68th minute when Ross McCausland's initial shot was blocked before the ball was fed to substitute McGuckin who made no mistake.
The lead lasted barely a minute with Kazakhstan equalising through Yegor Tkachenko's header from an Azatov corner.
Northern Ireland wouldn't be denied their victory, however.
The winner arrived 16 minutes from time, Rangers forward McCausland delivering a corner for Portadown striker Conaty to fire home.
Northern Ireland U19s : Josh Clarke, Dane McCullough, Cameron Stewart, Lewis Mackinnon, Brodie Gilmore, Isaac Price, Euan Williams, Isaac Price, Charlie Allen, Ross McCausland, Dale Taylor (captain), Charlie Lindsay. Substitutes: (used) Ciaran McGuckin, Oisin Conaty, Matty Carson, Sean McAllister; (unused) Dylan Berry (GK), Caolan McBride, Conor Falls.
