Northern Ireland Under-21s beaten by Denmark in friendly

A strong second-half display by Denmark saw Northern Ireland fall to a 4-1 defeat in Wednesday's Under-21 friendly at Stangmore Park in Dungannon.

Stephen Robinson's side, who lost their opening 2015 European qualifier 3-0 in Cyprus in May, were level at half-time.

Southend defender Adam Thompson's headed goal on 24 minutes had cancelled out Youssef Toutouh's opener.

Two goals by Nicolai Brock-Madsen and Rasmus Jensen's strike all arrived in the space of seven second-half minutes.

Northern Ireland were preparing for their next qualifier for the 2015 European Championships which is away to Belgium on 9 September.

The hosts were good value for the half-time scoreline against the Danes, keeping the ball well in midfield and passing confidently but lacking the cutting edge to create clear chances.

Toutouh's 17th-minute opener came when he was left unmarked from a free-kick, but the lead only lasted until seven minutes as Thompson rose at the far post to nod home a Josh Carson corner.

The away side changed formation at half-time, moving an extra body up front and the gamble paid off.

Brock-Madsen restored the lead after 57 minutes and made it 3-1 five minutes later when cut inside from the wing and fired past Connor Brennan.

Moments later Denmark put together a neat move, finished off when Jensen tapped home following a good save from Brennan.