Wooden spoon as North again draw blank

Northern Ireland 0

A goal from sub Arman Karamian gave Armenia a narrow victory at Windsor Park in a dour affair.

Leicester winger Keith Gillespie was named in the Northern Ireland team for this Euro 2004 qualifier after recovering from hamstring and knee problems. His inclusion gave manager McIlroy a boost, especially as Michael Hughes was ruled out through suspension. Glentoran striker Andy Smith was recalled and partnered David Healy up front.

There was an anxious moment in the seventh minute when Gillespie needed brief treatment after clattering into Roman Berezovski.

It followed a deep cross delivered by Cheltenham’s Grant McCann, who had made a good run down the left.

Smith should have broken the drought after 11 minutes when he got on the end of Damien Johnson’s cross. However, he squandered an excellent chance by flicking a header wide of the post.

Then George McCartney went close after Gillespie’s good delivery in a good spell for Northern Ireland.

They almost made the breakthrough after 16 minutes when Yeghishe Melikyan sent a header past his goalkeeper but Healy could not get a vital touch.

Gillespie then sustained another knock and while he was off the field and struggling, Armenia took the lead after 27 minutes.

McIlroy was punished for not making a substitution as Melikyan broke down the left. He delivered a ball into the box and sub Karamian stroked it past Maik Taylor.

Northern Ireland were stung by that goal and Steve Jones almost equalised with Berezovski reacting superbly to turn his shot onto the bar.

Jones then delivered a soft header into the arms of the goalkeeper after Healy had carved out the opening.

Armenia goalkeeper Berezovski pulled off another stunning save on the hour to push away a header from Jones after Healy had delivered the cross.

NORTHERN IRELAND: Taylor, Baird, Aaron Hughes, McCartney, McCann, Gillespie, Griffin, Doherty, Johnson, Andrew Smith, Healy.

ARMENIA: Berezovsky, Melikian, Bilibio, Hovsepian, Zecu, Khachatrian, Artur Petrosian, Voskanyan, Sargsian, Artavadz Karamian, Movsisian.