Devastating defeat for Northern Ireland after night of play-off drama 

You are viewing content from Q North West 102.9. Would you like to make this your preferred location?

Q Radio Sport

Northern Ireland's Euro 2020 qualifying campaign ended in heartache as Michal Duris' extra-time goal condemned them to play-off final defeat at home to Slovakia - 2-1 the final score. 

A dramatic own goal from Milan Skriniar in the 88th minute cancelled out Juraj Kucka's first-half opener and sent the game into an extra half an hour.

Paddy McNair made it:

 

The momentum seemed to be with the hosts but it all changed in the 110th minute when a hopeful through-ball bounced off Jonny Evans and fell kindly for Duris to beat Bailey Peacock-Farrell at his near post.

The Burnley goalkeeper will feel he could have done better, but it was a bitter blow for Northern Ireland as their hopes of qualifying for a second consecutive European Championship were dashed.

Ian Baraclough's men began the night in the unusual position of favourites against a side who sacked their manager last month, but they could not capitalise as Slovakia made the most of the chances they were gifted.

Northern Ireland were roared on by the 1,060 fans allowed into Windsor Park, but they ultimately went home bitterly disappointed.

 

 

All over: Devastated NI skipper Steven Davis.

More from Q Radio Local Sport


Join the Thank Q Club

Sign up for the Thank Q Club and receive exclusive offers, fun competitions and amazing prizes - it's quick and easy to do!

Sign Up Log In

Listen on the go

Download the Q Radio app to keep listening, wherever you are! It's available on Apple and Android devices.

Download from the App Store Download from Google Play