The Malta national futsal team lost its' first of their double friendly commitment against Northern Ireland, going down 2-1 at the National School of Sport, Pembroke.

Under the guidance of Dutch coach Vic Hermans and his assistant Zeljko Anicic, the Malta team put in a gallant performance which saw the two teams tied at 1-1 with five minutes to go.

Malta will meet again the same opposition on Saturday at 18:30 hours at the same venue.