Northern Ireland were denied an impressive FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying group win over Austria by a stoppage-time equaliser.
Despite Chloe McCarron, Caragh Hamilton, Nadene Caldwell and Laura Rafferty having all been pulled from his squad hours before kick-off due to Covid protocols, Kenny Shiels’ side put on a performance for the 2,350 spectators at Seaview.
Jackie Burns saved well from Katharina Naschenweng and turned a Barbara Dunst free-kick around the post, before Austria went ahead on 42 minutes as Sarah Zadrazil set up Dunst to score.
Just 47 seconds after the restart, the hosts were level as Rachel Furness launched the ball over the top of the defence for Lauren Wade to slot past Manuela Zinsberger into the bottom corner.
Within five minutes Northern Ireland had the lead, Demi Vance firing a 35-yard free kick into the top corner.
Burns dived full length to deny Marie Therese Hobinger and made a double save on 81 minutes, firstly at Dunst’s feet and secondly from Zadrazil’s follow-up.
The pressure built as Sarah Puntigam’s long-range effort was tipped over and Nicole Billa hit the bar, before substitute Stefanie Enzinger rescued a point for Austria.
