Shane Ferguson was sent off as Stephen Robinson lost his first match in charge of Northern Ireland Under 21s.
Ferguson sees red as Ireland suffer defeat
A late penalty condemned new Northern Ireland Under 21 coach Stephen Robinson to a 1-0 defeat by Macedonia in Euro 2013 qualifying in his first match in charge.
Robinson, who inherited the side from Steve Beaglehole, saw his side concede two penalties - the second converted by Yani Urdinov for an 83rd minute winner.
There was also a late red card for Newcastle's Shane Ferguson as the young Northern Ireland side lost for the fourth time in six qualifiers.
This match was rearranged after freezing conditions in Kumanovo caused its postponement in February, allowing Robinson to call on a handful of players with senior caps - including Ferguson, Ryan McGivern, Lee Hodson and Oliver Norwood.
But their presence did not lift the side in a low-key first half that saw virtually no meaningful chances for either side.
Norwood looked Northern Ireland's best outlet, shooting wide both sides of half-time, but a Seanan Clucas foul allowed Macedonia the chance to go ahead through a 53rd minute penalty which Ilija Nestorovski blazed over.
A goalless draw looked the most likely outcome until the hosts earned a second spot-kick, with Urdinov converting.
That left Robinson's side just seven minutes to find an equaliser but instead their night got worse, with Ferguson red-carded for an off-the-ball incident.
