NI U21 victory over Slovakia not enough for Euro playoff place

Glenavon's Mark Sykes scored as Northern Ireland ended their Euro qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over Slovakia at Windsor Park.

However, results elsewhere meant their chances of qualification were very unlikely before a ball was kicked, virtually zero come half time, and over midway through the second half.

That said, there was plenty of effort and application from Ian Baraclough's side throughout the final 90 minutes of an encouraging campaign.

Shayne Lavery's powerful running saw him create space for a 4th minute shot, and tricky winger Paul Smyth was then hauled down inside the box with 23 played - but his penalty shout was rejected by the referee.

Slovakia then saw Laszlo Benes shown 2 yellow cards in the space of just 2 minutes on the verge of half time.

After 57 minutes the home side began to turn the screw as Lavery combined well with Jordan Thompson before the midfielder played in Alistair Roy, whose effort was well saved by Rodak.

5 minutes later, Northern Ireland finally found a breakthrough as Sykes drove into space at the near post to thump home a header after McDonagh's cross from the right.

However, it happened exactly as Portugal were confirmed as the winners of their game with Bosnia-Herzegovina, which ended Northern Ireland's unlikely chances of securing a play-off place.

Slovakia looked to have grabbed an equaliser in the 70th minute when captain Denis Vavro stabbed home from close range, but it was ruled out for offside, and Northern Ireland were able to hold on to claim a win.