Northern Ireland left frustrated by goalless draw against Cyprus

Northern Ireland must hope it is 13th time lucky in the Nations League as their latest outing ended in a drab goalless draw against Cyprus.

Ian Baraclough’s side took only their third-ever point in the competition but the performance and the result was a long way from what they – and the 600 travelling fans – had expected against a side ranked 105th in the world after the setback of Thursday’s 1-0 home defeat to Greece.

Ali McCann missed a sitter in the final moments but, given how many chances Cyprus had squandered, Northern Ireland had to be grateful not to have been playing better opposition.

Real improvement will be required against Kosovo in Pristina on Thursday.

Baraclough handed Kyle Lafferty his first competitive start since October 2020 and gave a full debut to Shea Charles as he made four changes.

Charles had said he was surprised to make his debut as a 79th-minute substitute against Greece, but if he was shocked about moving straight into the starting line-up it did not show as he comfortably stroked the ball around in front of a back four.

Northern Ireland’s problems came whenever they tried to move it forward.

Lafferty played with intent but was well marshalled by Cyprus’ back three as Northern Ireland struggled to give him any service.

When they did create a chance in the 12th minute it fell to George Saville and he scooped Paddy McNair’s cross high and wide.

Cyprus were looking more dangerous on the break, with Loizos Loizou their brightest spark as he gave Paddy Lane and Ciaron Brown a thorough examination on the left of Northern Ireland’s defence.

Northern Ireland’s best move saw Lane and Niall McGinn work space for a Saville cross on the left, but Gavin Whyte could only get the faintest touch on the ball before it was worked back for a Charles effort that was deflected wide.

There was a bright start to the second half as Northern Ireland pushed forward with some slicker play.

But after Whyte’s shot was held by Neofytos Michael, they were lucky not to be caught on the break as Ioannis Pittas raced clear, only to stumble and be robbed of the ball by the tireless Steven Davis.

Grigoris Kastanos then flashed a shot over before Bailey Peacock-Farrell was required to deny Marinos Tzionis with a smart save at his near post.

A dejected-looking Ali McCann at full-time.