Northern Ireland 1 - 2 Estonia; Davis sees dream start turn sour

NORTHERN Ireland’s slim hopes of a Euro 2012 play-off - and possibly Nigel Worthington’s prospects of a new contract - were extinguished with a second defeat at the hands of lowly Estonia.

Having slumped to a 4-1 loss in Tallinn last month, this match was as much about revenge as keeping alive their mathematical hopes of second place in Group C. In the end under-pressure Worthington saw his side leave Windsor Park with nothing as Konstantin Vassiljev’s double, a penalty and a controversial winner six minutes from time, turned the game around after captain Steven Davis’ first-half opener. A chorus of boos rang around the ground at the final whistle, with ‘Worthington out’ chants mixed with some choice words for the referee, who had allowed Vassiljev’s second despite a linesman’s flag.

Tarmo Kink almost put the visitors ahead inside 10 minutes, firing left-footed and drawing a sprawling save from Lee Camp, who had a night to forget when the side’s met in September.

Grant McCann returned fire when his 25-yard strike forced a corner in the 15th minute, while Davis was an increasingly lively presence in the centre, winning possession well and supporting Rangers team-mate Kyle Lafferty from midfield. It was the Ibrox pair who combined to put the hosts ahead, Lafferty breaking down the right and drilling a low cross across the six-yard box. Goalkeeper Sergei Pareiko spilled it and Davis beat two defenders to the ball to bundle home. Lafferty was leading the line impressively but a soft yellow card, for use of the elbow, ruled him out of Tuesday’s visit to Italy.

With 15 minutes remaining Craig Cathcart was penalised for impeding Vassiljev as he cut into the area. He took the penalty himself and drilled into the centre of goal for the equaliser. Estonia took the points when Vassiljev found the net with a long-range strike, but the Northern Ireland players were left furious after the linesman was seen to raise his flag in the build-up only to go unheeded.

Worthington must now raise his team for a trip to Pescara against the group winners, where he has one final chance to stake a claim for a new deal.

Northern Ireland: Camp, Hodson, Cathcart, McAuley, Baird, McCourt, Clingan (Evans 32), Davis, McCann (Healy 83), Brunt, Lafferty (Feeney 69). Subs not used: Taylor, McGivern, McGinn, Little. Booked: Lafferty, Camp, Cathcart, McAuley..

Estonia: Pareiko,Piiroja,Klavan,Jaager,Stepanov,Kruglov, Dmitrijev,Puri (Purje 57),Vunk,Kink (Vassiljev 65), Ahjupera (Zenjov 46). Subs Not Used: Londak,Reintam,Saag,Teniste.