World Cup 2010 qualifiers: Group Three

Oct 12 2008 Dennis Murcat Reports

TWO goals in the last six minutes were enough to sink Nigel Worthington's brave battlers and leave them with just one point after three games.

It was cruel luck on Northern Ireland who had defended well and until that late barrage had every chance of a shock result.

They had knocked the ball about with purpose and apart from a penalty shout in 18 minutes when Chris Baird bundled over Zlatko Dedic in the box had rarely been troubled in the first half.

Worthington's troops kept their shape well after the break and were disciplined at the back.

And they might have gone ahead in 58 minutes when David Healy suddenly burst in to life and tried a chip that went just over the bar.

But Slovenia kept grinding away and inside a minute scored twice to seal the points.

Milivoje Novakovic made the breakthrough in 84 minutes then substitute Zlatan Ljubijankic added a quick second.

And a miserable night was capped off in injury time when Jonny Evans picked up a booking that means he will be suspended for Wednesday's home match against San Marino.

Celtic keeper Artur Boruc was recalled for Poland after being dropped for his boozy antics - and he helped his side go top of the group with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic.

Pawel Brozek scored in the first half and Jakub Blaszczykowski added another after the break. Martin Fenin pulled one back in 87 minutes.

The victory keeps the Poles at the top of the group with seven points from three matches while the Czechs have one point after two games.

Slovakia moved in to third place on six points by winning 3-1 in San Marino - but not before they were given a fright.

Goals from Stanislav Sestak in 33 minutes and Jan Kozak's 39th-minute strike put Slovakia 2-0 up.

San Marino captain Andy Selva scored just before half-time to make it 2-1.

The home side started well after the break but Miroslav Karhan ended any hopes of a revival in 50minutes with a third to seal Slovakia's victory.