Nations League: Northern Ireland 1-1 Romania

Northern Ireland ended their Nations League campaign with a point in Belfast as they drew with Romania in a game of no real consequence for either nation.

Ian Baraclough's men had been relegated several hours before kick off after a UEFA ruling to award Romania 3 points from their cancelled game with Norway - but the visitors could be neither promoted nor relegated.

It certainly seemed to affect both sides, and most of the game passed by largely without incident.

After 90 seconds of play Daniel Ballard went close, almost converting a Paddy McNair set piece, but that was all Northern Ireland could muster until Liam Boyce volleyed over from a corner after 33 minutes.

Just before the break, the striker then saw a header deflected wide after good play from winger Matty Kennedy, and Craig Cathcart headed over the bar from the resulting corner.

It was from a set piece the opening goal eventually came 10 minutes into the second half. McNair's low delivery from a corner was whipped across the box by holding midfielder Michael Smith, and Boyce went flying in at the back post to get the decisive touch from close range.

The goal sparked Northern Ireland into some life, and minutes later Ali McCann came within inches of adding a second goal as his left-footed half-volley flashed just wide of the post.

The game settled down until Romania hit back in the 81st minute through substitute Eric Bicfalvi, who was left unmarked 8 yards from goal to deny Northern Ireland a win.

• northern ireland