Northern Ireland 0-0 Romania

Jonny Evans attempts to block Andrei Prepelita's shot at Windsor Park

Northern Ireland remain a point behind Group F leaders Romania after a scrappy Euro 2016 qualifying draw in Belfast.

Alexandru Chipciu wasted a good chance for Romania while Jonny Evans saw his header tipped over before the break.

A deflected Gabriel Torje shot went just wide before Kyle Lafferty fired straight at keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu with the game's best opportunity.

Hungary's win over Finland earlier on Saturday took them to within two points of Michael O'Neill's team.

Romania inflicted Northern Ireland's only defeat of the campaign last November, and with a stiff wind at their backs the visitors made a bright start in a sun-kissed Windsor Park.

Claudiu Keseru rifled a long-range free-kick just wide while Torje was also off-target with a sliced effort.

Northern Ireland improved as a disjointed first half progressed and Lafferty sent a weak shot straight at Tatarusanu.

Mihai Pintilii was fortunate to escape with just a yellow card after catching Conor McLaughlin with a high challenge.

Chipciu was put through in the box but his mis-hit strike merely trundled into the hands of Michael McGovern, who along with Stuart Dallas was making his first competitive start for Northern Ireland.

The hosts pressed before the break and Tatarusanu tipped over a stooping header from Evans after Chris Baird failed to connect with a corner at the near post.

Dallas blasted wide from 25 yards before Lafferty headed over as Northern Ireland sought to capitalise on the wind advantage early in the second half.

The momentum faded and Romania began to threaten, with Keseru finishing a fine move by shooting straight at McGovern.

The dangerous Torje pounced on a McAuley mistake before driving into the box, and his deflected strike flew inches wide of the woodwork.

The best chance of an error-strewn affair came six minutes from time - a free-kick was headed down by McAuley to the unmarked Lafferty, but from eight yards the striker hit down and straight at a grateful Tatarusanu.

The Romanian keeper pushed over an Oliver Norwood free-kick a minute later in the final goalmouth action of the game.

Meanwhile, the Faroe Islands completed a Group F double over Greece with a 2-1 home victory moving the minnows up to fourth place.

Mihai Pintilii was fortunate not to be red-carded for this challenge on Conor McLaughlin

It was a frustrating game for Kyle Lafferty as he failed to add to his five goals in the qualifying campaign

Gabriel Torje was a potent threat for Romania and he gets his shot past Conor McLaughlin