Northern Ireland's hopes of reaching next year's European Under-21 Championships suffered a big blow after a late free-kick saw them beaten in Israel.

Roy Millar's side looked set for a draw when Linfield striker Thomas Stewart cancelled out Ben Sahar's 65th-minute opener eight minutes from time.

But Idan Srur's superb dead-ball strike in the 87th minute saw the hosts close to within two points of their opponents, who continue to lead Group 9 but have now played two more games than third-placed Israel and three than second-placed Germany.

In an even first half, Bury's David Buchanan saw one effort saved, while Stewart headed over the crossbar.

Chelsea starlet Sahar opened the scoring after being played in on goal, but Stewart's 20-yard effort levelled matters before Hapoel Tel Aviv's Srur struck.

Northern Ireland must now wait for their group rivals to play their games in hand before they travel to Germany in December for what could well be a play-off decider.