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Jersey's hopes of becoming the first England team to reach the final stages of the Uefa Regions' Cup were dashed as they lost 2-1 to Northern Ireland.

Colum Curtis' edge of the box strike late on sent the nation's Eastern Region through to the last eight.

The Irish took a first-half lead when John Boyle reacted quickest to goalkeeper Jimmy Styles' punch.

Craig Russell levelled after the break as he converted Ben Gallichan's cross before Curtis' winner.

The islanders, who are representing England after winning last season's FA Inter-League Cup, cannot go through to the final stages even if they beat San Marino in their final game and Northern Ireland lose to the Republic of Ireland.

Sides who are level on points are decided by the result between them, rather than goal difference.

"There's a feeling of total despair just now," Jersey assistant manager Dave Kennedy told ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Jersey.

"That goal at the end has just knocked the wind out of us.

"In the second half they were in our half three times.

"We were in total control, made many chances and after we equalised I thought only one team would win it, but it wasn't to be."