NORTHERN IRELAND'S hopes of qualifying for the World Cup finals in France next summer ended after they were held to a scoreless draw by Armenia in Jerevan.

The result leaves Northern Ireland fourth in Group Nine with seven points from seven games while Armenia, still seeking their first ever World Cup qualifying win, are fifth on four points from five games.

Although mathematically both teams are still in contention for a place, the result realistically ends the aspirations of both of them.

Northern Ireland pounded the Armenian goal for much of the game hut found the Armenian goalkeeper, Roman Berezovsky in outstanding form.

On three separate occasions, Berezovsky produced super stops to prevent Bryan Hamilton's side taking the lead, the best denying Steve Lomas and lain Dowie.

But Northern Ireland's Alan Fettis also made a magnificent stop in the second minute to prevent Hanlet Mkhitaryan from scoring. The Nottingham Forest reserve goalkeeper dived full length to push the Armenian wingers shot for a corner.

West Ham's Lomas and Yervan Sukiaysn were booked after a flare up on four minutes by Swedish referee Karl Erik Nielsen. The booking rules Lomas out of Northern Ireland's next game against Germany in Belfast in, August.

Leicester midfielder Neil Lennon became the second Northern Ireland player to be booked on 42 minutes after at tackle on Karapet Mikayelyan. Dowie was also booked and will also miss the game against Germany.

In the early stages, the game was played at a leisurely pace and Armenia rarely threatened their visitors.

Kevin Horlock had a goal controversially disallowed after 11 minutes when the referee ruled that the Manchester City wing back had committed a foul before his headed score.

The temperamental Armenians were always dangerous on, the, break and the too had a Mkhitaryan goal disallowed after 28 minutes for offside.

In the second half Northern Ireland launched several attacks on the Armenia goal but found no way through in a game watched by 10,000.

Afterwards manager Bryan Hamilton said. "I am bitterly disappointed but we will not throw in the towel, we with battle on to the end. I thought Horlock's goal should have been allowed."