Northern Ireland strike late to take draw back to Belfast

Izabela Lojna scored a goal and an own goal as Croatia were held to a 1-1 draw by Northern Ireland in the first leg of their European Championship qualification first round play-off.

Croatia started stronger in Varazdin and won an early penalty when Jackie Burns was punished for a clumsy challenge. Lojna converted her spot-kick into the top left-hand corner to give the hosts the lead.

However, Tanya Oxtoby's side responded well and they came close through Rebecca Holloway, whose shot from just inside the area after a well-worked move was blocked.

Northern Ireland’s momentum was rewarded in second half added-time. Goalkeeper Doris Bacic conceded a corner off her initial save and after a short corner, Casey Howe’s cross deflected off Lojna and into the net to earn the visitors a draw.

The return takes place at Windsor Park on Tuesday.