NORTHERN Ireland's Under-21s suffered a 2-1 defeat in their vital Euro Championship Group Nine qualifier in Israel.

The side included Chesterfield's Jamie Ward who was in the starting line-up for this game.

The home side had appeared well-set in Tel-Aviv when Ben Sahar gave them the lead midway through the second half, collecting Bebars Natcho's through-ball and firing past Jonathan Tuffey, but were forced to sweat in the end.

Israel should have been further ahead as Etey Shechter struck the post and was denied from the penalty spot in the first half, and looked like lamenting their profligacy when

Thomas Stewart rifled in a fierce volley nine minutes from time for the Group Nine pacesetters.

Israel coach Guy Levy responded by bringing on Srur and the midfielder duly made his mark, beating Tuffey with a curling free-kick.

The result lifted Israel to ten points after five outings, level with Germany (four games) and two points behind Northern Ireland (seven).

The Group Nine table now stands:-

Northern Ireland conclude their campaign on 5th September when they visit Germany.