DANIEL Ballard and George Saville’s slim World Cup 2022 hopes were ended as Northern Ireland lost 2-1 to Bulgaria in Sofia on Tuesday night.
Conor Washington strike in the 35th minute gave Ian Baraclough’s side a deserved one-goal lead at half-time.
But the visitors collapsed after the break as two goals from Todor Nedelev won it for the hosts.
Northern Ireland are fourth in Group C of European qualifying with five points from six games.
Ballard played 82 minutes but Saville wasn’t involved.
Image: Millwall FC