Northern Ireland's first nine points in the Uefa Nations League came over 17 games, but their latest four-game window saw them accumulate eight points in just 11 days. Finishing with a goalless draw against Georgia at Windsor Park left fans frustrated despite what was arguably their best ever Nations League campaign.
Isaac Price's saved penalty in the 83rd minute proved the crucial missed chance in a second consecutive stalemate in Belfast. Paddy Kelly and Josh Magennis also failed to convert promising opportunities, while Ruairi Mc Conville struck the bar in the incident leading to the penalty. Magennis called himself "bitterly disappointed" after the match.
The overall window remains a success: two away victories against Georgia and Ukraine in Slovakia, with an average age of 22 in the 3-0 win over Ukraine. Four successive clean sheets make them the only team in the competition yet to concede a goal, impressive given Conor Bradley's absence and Daniel Ballard's limited fitness.
Manager Michael O'Neill made minimal changes despite losing Ali Mc Cann and Ballard to injury, with young centre-backs Mc Conville, 21, and Tom Atcheson, 20, performing well. Northern Ireland remain top of Group B2 ahead of concluding fixtures at home to Ukraine.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing