International friendly: Northern Ireland lose at home to Hungary despite late rally

Northern Ireland fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Hungary in a largely low-key friendly international in Belfast.

A Niall McGinn error early in the second half led to Roland Sallai scoring what proved to be the winner, despite a late rally from the hosts.

NI captain Steven Davis hit a post and McGinn had an effort well saved by Denes Dibusz in the first half.

Dibusz also denied home substitute Dion Charles in injury time.

The ball fell to the Bolton Wanderers striker in the six-yard box but, as he swivelled and shot, the visiting keeper made a fine block to ensure his side survived a final 10 minutes of extensive Northern Ireland pressure.

Charles' close-range effort was the last last of a flurry of late chances for the hosts, with George Saville having a header saved just before young Sunderland full-back Trai Hume almost marked his debut with a memorable goal, but his header could also not beat Dibusz.

Hungary's crucial goal arrived in the 55th minute when experienced winger McGinn seemed to under-hit a backpass which allowed Sallai to get to the ball before goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell and take it round him before sliding into an empty net.

The defeat follows Northern Ireland's 3-1 friendly win away to Luxembourg on Friday night and completes their preparations for their Nations League campaign, which begins at home to Greece on 2 June before a trip to Cyprus three days later.

It also brings to an end a three-match unbeaten run that included a home victory over Lithuania and an impressive scoreless draw with Italy in World Cup qualifying before the Luxembourg victory.

Fleetwood Town's Paddy Lane, 21, joined Hume in making his senior debut, starting the game on the left flank but struggling to make an