Northern Ireland 0 -2 Israel: Woe at Windsor Park

NORTHERN Ireland’s Windsor Park woes continued as two late goals by Israel saw them defeated despite dominating.

Scorers: Israel: Refaelov (77) Ben Basat (84)

After disappointing home draws against Luxembourg and Azerbaijan in their last two World Cup qualifiers they failed to convert possession into goals before sucker punches from Lior Refaelov and Eden Ben Basat cost them dear. Captain Steven Davis went closest to getting his side on the scoresheet, but with three points from five matches in Group F and a winless run of 13 games, their prospects look grim.

Northern Ireland’s industry almost earned them a goal just after the half-hour when Martin Paterson cut back to Davis.

The skipper looked sure to convert from six yards but goalkeeper Aouate saw a powerful shot hit him in the face before Shane Ferguson’s header was swept from the line.

In the 77th minute, Israel took ­­the lead. Israeli sub Refaelov was the scorer. Ben Basat then delivered the coup de grace.

Northern Ireland: Carroll, Hughes, McAuley, Jonny Evans, Danny Lafferty, Brunt, Clingan (McCourt 79), McGinn, Davis, Ferguson (Magennis 72), Paterson (Healy 83).

Israel: Aouate, Spungin, Tibi, Ben Haim, Gershon, Yeini, Natcho, Radi (Zahavi 60), Melikson (Refaelov 69), Shechter (Benayoun 86), Ben Basat.

Referee: Hannes Kaasik (Estonia)

Attendance: 7,300