Northern Ireland have headed into half time level at 1-1 against a plucky Faroe Islands in Torsvollur.

Michael O'Neil's men took the lead after Oliver Norwood curled a ball into the box from the right and an unmarked Gareth McAuley planted a strong header past Gunnar Nielsen.

Niall McGinn had a chance later in the half after a short clearance landed at the midfielder's feet, but his quick shot was just wide of the Faroes' left-hand post.

The Faroe Islands grew into the half and Joan Edmundsson tried his luck from 35 yards out but his low effort did not have enough to test Michael McGovern in goal.

It would not be long before the Faroe Islands punished Northern Ireland after Stuart Dallas delayed in the box. The ball was pinched by Sonni Nattestad, who put in a low cross and Edmundsson calmly finished from close range.

Kyle Lafferty was gifted a chance just before half time, with a cross from Steve Davis finding him unmarked inside the box but his header looped over the bar with the goalkeeper off his line.