Frustration at the Showgrounds as NI Under-21s share Iceland spoils
Draw means Baraclough side now four points behind Spain
Northern Ireland Under-21s are up against it after a goal-less draw with Iceland last night in their latest Euro 2019 qualifier at a blustery Coleraine showgrounds.
Ian Baraclough’s side are now four points behind unbeaten Group 2 leaders Spain – but have played one game more.
It was a frustrating night for the striking partnership of Shayne Lavery and Ben Kennedy who did everything but score.
Wingers Bobby Burns and Jamie McDonagh also came close and young Crusaders forward Gavin Whyte was impressive in attack.
But they had to make do with a share of the spoils.
McDonagh said they could not have done much more.
“We have got players on the pitch who can score goals – it was frustrating but as a group we have come a long way – you could see that against Spain,” he said.
QPR’s Paul Smyth, who hit the winner against South Korea on his senior debut, had been suspended for the game.
Next up for the Under-21s is a trip to Spain in September.