Northern Ireland extended their unbeaten Nations League run to four matches – and retained a special defensive record following Monday’s stalemate with Georgia at Windsor Park – but were left to rue what could have been after Isaac Price’s late missed penalty.
After the high of a memorable 3-0 victory on the road against Ukraine, Michael O’Neill’s men picked up another crucial point in Belfast which sees them progress to November’s window sitting top of their League B group – and on the cusp of top-tier promotion.
However, they had a prime opportunity to claim all three from the spot when Nodar Lominadze fouled Ruairi McConville with six minutes to go.
West Brom attacker Price stepped up, but was denied by Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who produced a stunning display to ensure his side departed with a point.
Northern Ireland captain Shea Charles on the attack against Georgia in the UEFA Nations League. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)placeholder image
Northern Ireland captain Shea Charles on the attack against Georgia in the UEFA Nations League. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)
It has still been a fruitful 11-day window for Northern Ireland, who picked up points against two teams ranked more than 30 places higher in FIFA’s standings and remain the sole side of 54 yet to concede in the Nations League so far.
Despite initial disappointment after another assured performance, it extends Northern Ireland’s fine home record – they’ve lost just once in Belfast since October 2023, a 1-0 defeat to European powerhouses Germany.
O’Neill made three changes to the team which defeated Ukraine, drafting in Ethan Galbraith, Justin Devenny and Patrick Kelly in place of Brodie Spencer, Terry Devlin and Kieran Morrison.
Northern Ireland were able to quickly settle with both Galbraith and Shea Charles dictating the tempo – the latter drew the first yellow card of the match after being dragged down by Giorgi Kochorashvili.
McConville forced Mamardashvili into a save with his glanced header marking Northern Ireland’s first meaningful effort on goal.
Pierce Charles then produced a brilliant stop to deny Zuriko Davitashvili, expertly diving low to his left to save a powerful effort after the midfielder had worked space inside Northern Ireland’s box.
Jamie Donley almost caught Mamardashvili out with a chipped shot, but the Georgian goalkeeper was able to backtrack in the nick of time.
Northern Ireland had a golden chance to take the lead when Trai Hume fed Kelly, who bounded into space before opting to square across goal rather than shoot – Mamardashvili anticipated well to intercept.
Chances continued to be at a premium early in the second half with Pierce Charles leaping to gather Giorgi Tsitaishvili’s deflected shot.
Hume dealt masterfully with the threat of PSG superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has lit up the Champions League in recent years and has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, but Windsor Park temporarily held its collective breath when he galloped into space down the left before the attack fizzled out.
Galbraith deservedly walked off to a standing ovation when he was replaced by Brodie Spencer after 64 minutes – the Stoke City ace returned to the starting line-up after welcoming a baby boy with his partner last week.
Substitute Josh Magennis had a prime opportunity to put Northern Ireland ahead – and move further up the all-time goalscoring charts – but was denied by Mamardashvili from close range.
However, Northern Ireland were then awarded a penalty following a VAR review moments later with Mamardashvili once again the hero, diving low to save Price’s effort.
The hosts threw everything at their opponents in the closing stages, but were unable to find a decisive breakthrough.
***NORTHERN IRELAND:***Pierce Charles, Tom Atcheson ( Paddy McNair, 87), Ruairi McConville, Ciaron Brown, Trai Hume, Shea Charles, Ethan Galbraith (Brodie Spencer, 64), Justin Devenny, Patrick Kelly (Kieran Morrison, 74), Jamie Donley (Josh Magennis, 74), Isaac Price (Callum Marshall, 87)
Subs: Conor Hazard, Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Terry Devlin, Ceadach O’Neill, Paul Smyth, Jordan Thompson, Eoin Toal