Soccer: Northern Ireland pull two back

Bulgaria 4 Northern Ireland 3 (latest)

Northern Ireland have pulled back two goals in their World Cup Qualifier against Bulgaria.

Stuart Elliott pulled one back in the 82nd minute and David Healy scored from the penalty spot on 90 mins.

Krassimir Balakov opened the scoring through from the spot on seven minutes.

Mark Williams headed the Northern Irish level on 15 minutes before Martin Petrov fired Bulgaria back in front two minutes later.

The Northern Irish failed to deal with an attack down the left and when the ball fell to Martin Petrov he scored from around 14 yards out with a low shot into the far corner.

Krassimir Tchomakov made it 3-1 after 72 minutes when he drilled home a free-kick from around 35 yards out.

Five minutes later it was almost over when the unmarked Petrov volleyed home at the back post.

Bulgaria might even have had a fifth and Berbatov hit the woodwork from Petrov’s left-wing cross.

Northern Ireland clawed a goal back seven minutes from time when Hughes’ shot was deflected high into the air and Stuart Elliott reacted first to head the ball into the net for his first international goal.