Northern Ireland were beaten 2-0 by Iceland in their Women's Nations League promotion/relegation play-off first leg at the Ballymena Showgrounds.
Iceland threatened in the early stages with Sveindis Jonsdottir forcing a save from Jackie Burns and moments later the forward came close again, clipping the outside of the post.
Nadene Caldwell cleared Hlin Eriksdottir’s strike off the line and the visitors piled on the pressure as a well-worked move down the right ended with Sandra Jessen stabbing a shot wide, but they eventually struck in the 31st minute when Glodis Viggosdottir nodded home from Karolina Vilhjalmsdottir’s curling free-kick.
Burns then made a diving save to stop Eriksdottir’s header minutes later and after the break, Hildur Antonsdottir blasted an effort wide before Mia Moore had her strike blocked for the hosts.
Iceland wrapped up victory in the 75th minute when Ingibjorg Sigurdardottir nodded home from Vilhjalmsdottir’s corner.
Both teams meet again in the second leg which takes place on Tuesday in Reykjavik.
