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International Friendlies

Mar 5, 2014 at 6pm UK

Cyprus Cyprus
0-0
N. Ireland Northern Ireland

Ten-man Northern Ireland hold on for draw

By Sian Cowper, Reporter | 05 March 2014

Northern Ireland seal a goalless draw with Cyprus in their international friendly, despite playing the last 15 minutes with 10 men.

Northern Ireland have held on for a goalless draw with Cyprus despite being reduced to 10 men in their international friendly this evening.

The visitors had a good chance to break the deadlock early on, but Martin Paterson's header from close range was stopped by Antonis Georgallides in the Cyprus goal.

The Cypriots had a number of opportunities to score the opening goal themselves in the opening half, but Constantinos Makrides saw his effort cleared off the line, before Nestoras Mitidis was denied by a last-gasp block from Alex Bruce.

Northern Ireland made a lively start to the second half as Niall McGinn played the ball through for Jamie Ward, who sliced the ball across the face of goal, but there was no-one there to turn it in.

However, the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Gareth McAuley was sent of with 15 minutes left to play for hacking down Demetris Christofi.

Cyprus tried to make their numerical advantage count late on as Christofi charged down the wing before crossing for Charis Kyriakou, but Craig Cathcart was able to make the stop.

The home side continued to create chances deep into stoppage time, but were unable to force a late winner.