Northern Ireland are holding Romania to a goalless draw at the halfway stage of their Euro 2016 qualifier this evening.

Vlad Chiriches had the first attempt on goal from either side, but his spectacular overhead kick went straight into the gloves of Roy Carroll.

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The visitors came within inches of taking the lead moments later when Chris Brunt was found inside the box by Kyle Lafferty and drilled a strike just wide of the far post.

Romania were the next to threaten and Alexandru Chipciu volleyed an effort against the bar, before heading the rebound at the keeper.

Just past the half-hour mark the hosts missed a big chance to score when Lucian Sanmartean waltzed through the defence and squared the ball to Bogdan Stancu, but the forward missed his kick at the vital moment.

On the stroke of half time Lafferty broke into the box and forced the keeper to push behind his near-post effort, as the teams went into the break level.

Written by
Alex Meyers