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Wales 1-1 Northern Ireland: Church the saviour for hosts in Cardiff

Substitute Simon Church converted a late penalty to cancel out defender Craig Cathcart's opener at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Substitute Simon Church held his nerve to convert an 89th-minute penalty as Wales rallied to secure a 1-1 draw against fellow Euro 2016 qualifier Northern Ireland at a sodden Cardiff City Stadium.

Craig Cathcart looked set to be the unlikely hero for the visitor on Thursday, with the defender's second goal in three international appearances breaking the deadlock after 60 minutes in the Welsh capital.

Without the services of Gareth Bale, who had stayed in Madrid following discussions between club and country, Wales struggled to break down a dogged visiting defense in a battle between two nations preparing for their debuts at the European Championship.