Northern Ireland have fallen to their first defeat in Euro 2016 qualifying after a double from Paul Papp gave Romania a 2-0 win in Bucharest.

Romania's defender Paul Papp celebrates a goal against Northern Ireland during the UEFA 2016 European Championship qualifying round Group F football match Romania vs Northern Ireland at the Arena Nationala stadium in Bucharest on November 14, 2014 © Getty Images

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

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.

Romania's midfielder Gabriel Torje and Northern Ireland's defender Connor McLaughlin vie for the ball during the UEFA 2016 European Championship qualifying round Group F football match Romania vs Northern Ireland at the Arena Nationala stadium in Buchares © Getty Images

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.

The hosts started the second half strongly and Carroll had to rush quickly off his line to block Razvan Rat's close-range attempt.

Romania looked the team more likely to open the scoring and they found the net in the 74th minute when Rat's cross fell kindly to Papp, who then fired a strike into the top corner.

Papp grabbed his second goal five minutes later when he was picked out at the back post by Lucian Sanmartean and headed past Carroll.

Ireland were unable to stage a late fightback, as the Romanians held on for victory and replaced their opponents at the top of Group F.