A narrow defeat by Armenia was compounded by the home side failing to find the target.

It meant they have gone 12 matches without a goal, overtaking Liechtenstein and creating a European record for the worst scoring sequence by an international side.

Yet Northern Ireland could and should have put the result beyond doubt with Andy Smith and substitute Steve Jones being particularly wasteful.

McIlroy decided to go with an attacking formation in a bid to get their first win in the qualifiers and end a goal drought.

Glentoran striker Smith was recalled at Windsor Park and partnered David Healy up front.

McIlroy, however, was forced to make a change at the back with Grant McCann drafted in as Peter Kennedy had a stomach complaint.

The Northern Ireland supporters were in good voice right from the kick-off.

They were anxious to see a goal and a victory against an Armenia side that won 1-0 in March.

There was an anxious moment in the seventh minute when Keith Gillespie needed brief treatment after clattering into Roman Berezovski.

It followed a deep cross delivered by Cheltenham’s McCann, who had made a good run down the left.

Smith should have broken the drought after 11 minutes when he got on the end of Damien Johnson’s cross.

He squandered an excellent chance by flicking a header wide of the post.

Then George McCartney came close after Gillespie’s fine delivery in a good spell for Northern Ireland.

They almost made the breakthrough after 16 minutes when Yeghishe Melikyan sent a header past his goalkeeper but Healy could not get a vital touch.

While Gillespie was off the field and struggling, Armenia took the lead after 27 minutes.

Northern Ireland manager McIlroy was punished for not making a substitution as Melikyan broke down the left.

He delivered a ball into the box and sub Arman Karamyan struck home past Maik Taylor.

Gillespie and Tommy Doherty, who also picked up a knock, came off on the half hour. They were replaced by Steve Jones and Phil Mulryne.

Northern Ireland were stung by that goal and Jones almost equalised with Berezovski reacting superbly to turn his shot onto the bar.

Jones then delivered a soft header into the arms of the goalkeeper after Healy had carved out the opening.

Northern Ireland were keen to make the breakthrough at the start of the second half after squandering a number of chances.

But losing Gillespie was a big blow with Michael Hughes also out of the picture.

It meant McIlroy was without two of his most creative players as they went in search of an equaliser.

However, Johnson was taking on the mantle in the middle of the park and putting in a hard shift.

Healy snatched at a chance after 54 minutes after the ball had been only partially cleared and found the wrong side of the post.

Armenia goalkeeper Berezovski pulled off another stunning save on the hour to push away a header from Jones after Healy had delivered the cross.

Crewe midfielder Jones could have had a hat-trick and it was turning out to be another frustrating night for Northern Ireland.

They were beginning to look over-anxious and snatching at chances as the game entered a crucial stage.

There was a danger too that they could be caught on the counter-attack as Armenia boasted a number of quick players.

Northern Ireland suffered another blow when Johnson collected his second yellow card of the campaign, ruling him out of the final qualifier against Greece next month.

In a last throw of the dice McIlroy brought on Paul McVeigh for the hard-working Healy in the 78th minute.

However, despite all their hard work Northern Ireland could not make the breakthrough and have now gone 12 matches without a win and 1152 minutes without scoring.