Simone Magill and Rebecca Holloway had possibilities to open the scoring in Bucharest earlier than Maxwell hit an outstanding opener – which Oxtoby stated was a “nice strike”.
Nevertheless, Romania hit again when a defensive mix-up between Ellie Mason and Rachel Dugdale allowed Ciolacu to poke house the equaliser.
Northern Eire dominated possession however struggled to create many clear-cut possibilities, and Romania ought to have gained the sport within the 91st minute when Ciolacu curled an effort off the woodwork.
The draw, together with Bosnia-Herzegovina’s 5-1 defeat to unbeaten leaders Poland, means Oxtoby’s facet stay second in Group B1.
Romania, who misplaced 4-0 in Bosnia-Herzegovina after which 1-0 at house to Poland, stay backside of the group.
“We knew coming away to Romania was going to be tough. I stated it earlier than the sport, I believed they had been actually unfortunate in opposition to Bosnia,” Australian Oxtoby added.
“I believed they had been the higher crew and their outcome in opposition to Poland reveals how good a facet they’re.”
The edges will meet once more at Windsor Park on Tuesday and Oxtoby says “we have to study from nights like this”.
“There are areas of our recreation the place we’re robust, that we are able to proceed to maneuver ahead with, however there are areas of our recreation that we have to proceed to develop.
“This group is on a journey, we have stated that each one alongside.
“We began the sport rather well once more and we’ll be wanting extra of the identical on Tuesday evening.”
