The World Cup qualifier between Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland is goalless at half time.

The visitors had the first chance of the match in the 14th minute when Chris Brunt fired a powerful volley at goal, but Kamran Agayev palmed it away to safety.

The Azerbaijan goalkeeper was called into action again soon after, when he kept out Jamie Ward's effort with his legs following a dangerous cross from Martin Paterson.

The hosts carved out their first chance with 25 minutes on the clock when Rufat Dadashov bent a shot wide of Roy Carroll's post from outside the penalty area.

Rauf Aliyev forced a fine save from the Northern Ireland stopper a few minutes later when he saw his powerful header kept out by a diving Carroll.

With nine minutes of the half remaining, Ward lifted an effort over the bar from inside the box, before Paterson saw a six-yard strike flash just wide of the post.

Written by
Steven Toplis