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Away-day struggles continue to blight Northern Ireland

12/10/2008

Northern Ireland have lost away from home once more, losing 2-0 against Slovenia in Maribor to a brace of goals in the final five minutes.

Nigel Worthington's men battled hard and looked set to earn at least a draw before Milivoje Novakovic broke the deadlock and Zlatan Ljubijankic sealed the contest.

The defeat means Northern Ireland have taken just two points from their opening three matches in the World Cup qualifying and now face an uphill task to get to South Africa 2010.

Having earned a valuable draw against Czech Republic last time out the Irish side travelled to Slovenia with hopes of snatching a rare away victory and remaining in the hunt for one of the two qualifying positions.

Kyle Lafferty missed the best chance of the first half for either side when he dragged his volley wide of the goal.

Slovenia had their fair share of possession in the opening 45 minutes but did not create a clear-cut chance, although they were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty when Chris Baird appeared to push Zlatki Dedic.

As the second half wore on the pressure to perform at home seemed to be showing on the Slovenians and that allowed Northern Ireland to dictate play.

David Healy finally got his first sight of goal but his curling effort went just over the bar. Lafferty got another good opportunity but could not lift his shot over the advancing Samir Handanovic who saved well.

Slovenia then sprung into life with five minutes to go. A dangerous cross managed to get all the way to the back post and Novakovic had a simple tap in to give the hosts the lead.

One minute later Ljubijankic fought his way past Johnny Evans and was able to slide a finish past Maik Taylor.

Nigel Worthington will hope to get his first win in the group when Northern Ireland take on San Marino in Belfast on Wednesday.