Steven Davis's second-half strike helped Northern Ireland to a draw away to Israel this evening.

Michael O'Neill's men were looking to make up for the disappointing defeat in Azerbaijan on Friday, but struggled to test the hosts' defence early on.

Israel almost took the lead on 40 minutes when right-back Eyal Meshumar lifted a ball over the visitors' defence and Ben Basat blasted his effort goalwards only for a last-ditch block from Craig Cathcart to deny him.

The deadlock was broken minutes later as Meshumar's dangerous cross was met by Basat, who headed past Roy Carroll.

Northern Ireland tried to get back into the game but it wasn't until the introduction of Jamie Ward that they got back on terms.

The substitute supplied Steven Davis who smashed his shot in the top corner, giving Dudu Aouate no chance.

Moments after Chris Baird's chipped pass found Jamie Paterson and his volley brought a strong save out of Aouate as his side held on for a draw.

The result means that Northern Ireland finished second bottom of Group F, only a point ahead of Luxembourg and having only won one game during the campaign.

Written by
Chris O'Keefe