Worthington woe as North crash to shock defeat

NORTHERN IRELAND’S slim hopes of a Euro 2012 play-off – and possibly Nigel Worthington’s prospects of a new contract – were finally 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.

Rangers pair Steven Davis and Kyle Lafferty combined to put the hosts ahead on 22 minutes, 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.