Northern Ireland suffered their second defeat in three World Cup qualifiers after crumbling late in the Group Three game against Slovenia in Maribor tonight.
Goals from Milivoje Novakovic and substitute Zlatan Ljubijankic in the 84th and 85th minute did the damage.
And a miserable night was capped in injury-time when influential defender Jonny Evans picked up a booking - the province's fifth of the night - which means he will be suspended for Wednesday's home match against San Marino.
Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington said: "It was a bitter blow, but I've been in the game long enough to know that these things happen.
"I thought the players were superb with their energy and commitment.
"We played some good football and showed a tremendous work ethic, but the rub of the green is not with us. We have got to make things happen.
"It is clear we are playing catch-up in the group, but I can see a lot of 'positives'. We created some decent chances - and if we can start taking them, we will pick up points.
"We have played three games, conceded four goals - but Maik Taylor has not had a save to make."
