Northern Ireland Under 19’s began their UEFA European Championship Elite Stage in the Netherlands with a 2-1 loss to Poland.
Stephen Craigan’s side looked like earning a draw until a 84th minute winner from Karol Swiderski earned Poland all three points.
It was Swiderski who opened the scoring in the game in the 14th minute as his free kick beat Northern Ireland keeper Brett Long.
But before the half time whistle, Northern Ireland grabbed an equaliser through Shayne Lavery. A cross from Glenavon’s Mark Sykes found Lavery to level the game with 10 minutes to go in the first half.
Poland applied the pressure in the second half with Northern Ireland holding firm and looking destined to earn a point in their opening Elite Stage game.
However, Swiderski popped up again with just six minutes to go to take all three points in the first of the three game competition.
Northern Ireland will look to bounce back as they face Netherlands on the 26th March at 4pm.