Northern Ireland are on course to pick up a vital point in their quest to reach Euro 2016 after reaching half time on level terms with Romania at Windsor Park.

The Group F leaders almost got off to the perfect start on two minutes when a fizzing free kick from Claudiu Keseru was inches away from ending up in the home side's net, with keeper Michael McGovern rooted to the spot.

Michael O'Neill's side tried to threaten the Romania goal in the early moments as Chris Brunt's speculative volley from the edge of the box was blocked, before Kyle Lafferty hit a timid shot into the hands of Ciprian Tatarusanu.

The visitors' best chance of the opening half an hour came after an enterprising run from Gabriel Torje, who skipped three challenges before laying off to Keseru, who duly fired over the bar.

Midway through the half, Taterusanu was then almost punished for taking his time to clear as his clearance was charged down by Lafferty, only for the Fiorentina keeper to eventually get the ball out of harm's way.

Alexsandru Chipciu nearly caught out Northern Ireland's defence as he was allowed time and space to shoot, but was unable to beat McGovern.

However, the hosts came close to taking the lead before the interval as Jonny Evans's header needed to be tipped over by Taterusanu.

Follow all the action from Windsor Park with Sports Mole's live text commentary.

Written by
Chris O'Keefe