Faroes bring Northern Irish back to earth with a bump

Northern Ireland’s joy at holding European giants Italy to a draw last Friday faded here on Tuesday as they were held to an embarrassing 1-1 draw by minnows the Faroe Islands in their Group C clash.

Christian Holst’s goal gave the hosts a shock lead on the hour mark and the visitors only saved their honour and a point through Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty, 14 minutes from time.

The point preserved the Ulstermen’s unbeaten run in the group – they have five points after three matches – and moved them to within two points of leaders Italy, who play Serbia later on Tuesday in what will be their fourth match of the qualifiers.

The Faroes point is their first in four qualifiers.

Northern Ireland, though, will be kicking themselves as they failed to take a whole host of chances with Niall McGinn guilty of the worst miss, shooting wide in front of an open goal.