FootyChatter.com

This video can not be played Highlights: Northern Ireland held by stubborn Romania in Bucharest Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby admits the second half performance in Friday's 1-1 draw in Romania "wasn't good enough". Danielle Maxwell's superb strike gave Northern Ireland the lead in the 33rd minute of the Nations League double-header, but the visitors gifted Romania an equaliser five minutes later. Romania could have won the game in injury time but goalscorer Mihaela Ciolacu struck the crossbar. "We know that second-half performance wasn't good enough, and we'll learn from it and get better, " Oxtoby told the Irish FA in Bucharest. "We had enough controlled possession in the first half to ensure we have ourselves a comfortable lead, but we didn't do that. "The second half was really transitional and we didn't control the game and from that point of view it's a little bit disappointing that we have allowed them right back in. " Romania hold Northern Ireland to draw in Nations League Simone Magill and Rebecca Holloway had chances to open the scoring in Bucharest before Maxwell hit a superb opener - which Oxtoby said was a "great strike". However, Romania hit back when a defensive mix-up between Ellie Mason and Rachel Dugdale allowed Ciolacu to poke home the equaliser. Northern Ireland dominated possession but struggled to create many clear-cut chances, and Romania should have won the game in the 91st minute when Ciolacu curled an effort off the woodwork. The draw, along with Bosnia-Herzegovina's 5-1 defeat to unbeaten leaders Poland, means Oxtoby's side remain second in Group B1. Romania, who lost 4-0 in Bosnia-Herzegovina and then 1-0 at home to Poland, remain bottom of the group. "We knew coming away to Romania was going to be difficult. I said it before the game, I thought they were really unlucky against Bosnia, " Australian Oxtoby added. "I thought they were the better team and their result against Poland shows how good a side they are. " The sides will meet again at Windsor Park on Tuesday and Oxtoby says "we need to learn from nights like this". "There are areas of our game where we're strong, that we can continue to move forward with, but there are areas of our game that we need to continue to develop. "This group is on a journey, we've said that all along. "We started the game really well again and we'll be looking more of the same on Tuesday night. " I am the only voice defending Spurs - Postecoglou The questions around De Bruyne's Man City departure 'We are getting closer' - England build Euros momentum Mary Beard’s quest to uncover the real Julius Caesar The acclaimed Australian drama returns with a new twist A notorious and much-feared Irish crime organisation James Acaster and Josh Widdicombe grapple with dilemmas The 'rugby student' stepping up to lead Ireland Pre-contract agreements - why are they different in NI? Record-breaker Dunlop 'breaks mould' of modern sporting heroes Meet Jude Mc Atamney - the New York Giants kicker from Derry Grand National pinstickers' guide to runners The questions around De Bruyne's Man City departure Commentator Bryce to make Grand National history The Commentators’ View: Stonewall penalties & Premier League play-offs. Audio The Commentators’ View: Stonewall penalties & Premier League play-offs Sutton's predictions v singer-songwriter Mychelle The Cowdrey Lecture: What is the Spirit of Cricket? Audio The Cowdrey Lecture: What is the Spirit of Cricket? Should female footballers play on different pitches? Fan jeers and a cupped ear - is Postecoglou feeling the friction? 'We are Chelsea B team' - Why Strasbourg fans are in civil war The Grand National jockey who is allergic to horses Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week? Shirts, sponsors and bad blood: how Trump's tariffs might affect sport Grand Slam Track - what is it and what does it mean for athletics? Football's new phrasebook - modern language or just jargon? Why was Jota goal not offside - and does law need changing? When Liverpool nearly missed out on Salah 2025 County Championship - club-by-club guide 'The Goose' chases golds before return to dental school Was this the best free-kick in Premier League history? Video Was this the best free-kick in Premier League history? Five things to look for in Champions Cup last 16 Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.