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NORTHERN Ireland fail to beat a ten-man United States in Ballymena Tournament.

NORTHERN Ireland failed in their bid to reach the final of the Ballymena International Tournament for the first time following a final group defeat to the USA at The Showgrounds.

Dessie Curry's side needed just one point to reach the decider having banged home nine goals without reply in their opening two outings.

And they were handed a huge boost just a few minutes into last night's game when US frontman Bryan Dominguez was dismissed for an elbowing offence.

Northern Ireland’s Paul Gallagher went close with a fine 20 yard effort which rebounded off the cross bar, but the States scored twice in six minutes and held that advantage thereafter.

Ellis McLoughlin, the star turn in this United States team, tapped home the first after a flick on by Brek Shea after 25 minutes and Sheanon Williams converted a 31st minute penalty after McLoughlin was felled in the area by Nevin Spence.

Northern Ireland battled hard in the second half but did not create many clear cut chances, with the U.S. soaking up the pressure and holding out to seal a place in the final for the third successive year. In the other Group A game Switzerland recorded a 3-0 victory over Finland.

The United States will meet holders the Czech Republic in Friday's decider. They qualified with a 100 per cent record in Group B after trouncing Scotland 4-0 while Belguim finished runners-up with a single goal defeat of Canada.

Friday's schedule: Ballymena Bowl Final – Scotland vs Finland (2pm, Ballymena Showgrounds), Larne Shield Final – Canada vs Switzerland   (2pm, Wellington Rec FC), Larne Plate Final – Northern Ireland vs Belgium (2pm, Islandmagee FC), David Cairns Memorial Trophy Final – Czech Republic vs USA  (7:30pm, Ballymena Showgounds)