Honours remained even at the half-time break despite both sides creating a number of chances in Slovakia.

The hosts had a goal ruled out in the 37th minute when Martin Jakubko was judged offside before glancing his header past Maik Taylor.

Northern Ireland's best chance fell to David Healy two minutes before the break but the Sunderland man fired narrowly wide of the target.

Slovakia v N Ireland

Slovakia: Senecky, Durica, Skrtel, Pekarik, Petras, Karhan, Kozak, Jakubko, Hamsik, Sapara, Vittek. Subs: Mucha, Novak, Zabavnik, Svento, Mintal, Obzera, Sebo.

Northern Ireland: Taylor, Baird, Hughes, Craigan, McCartney, Evans, Davis, Gillespie, Clingan, Paterson, Healy. Subs: Mannus, McAuley, Brunt, McGivern, Shiels, Thompson, Feeney.

Ref: N Ivanov