Northern Ireland beat Belarus to move clear in group

Northern Ireland took a big step towards securing promotion back to the second tier of European football as second-half goals from Daniel Ballard and Dion Charles secured a 2-0 Nations League win over Belarus.

Victory in Belfast keeps Michael O'Neill’s men two points clear of Bulgaria, and a draw away to Luxembourg on Monday would take them out of League C as Group 3 winners.

After last month’s 5-0 win over Bulgaria, this was much harder work and O’Neill’s frustration was obvious late in the first half.

But Ballard headed the hosts in front five minutes into the second half and 10 minutes later referee Luis Godinho was sent to the monitor to spot a handball from Kirill Pechenin, allowing Dion Charles to score his fourth international goal from the penalty spot.

Northern Ireland had not previously won more than three in a row at home since 2016, when they won six, while this was a fourth successive clean sheet at home for the first time since 2021.

The biggest question mark over Northern Ireland’s team selection before the night was who would start in goal with Bailey Peacock-Farrell back from injury, but O’Neill stuck with teenager Pierce Charles on the night his brother Shea captained the side.

When these two sides met last month in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, Northern Ireland dominated the first half but failed to take their chances, and were then frustrated after the break as Belarus sat much deeper.

It was no surprise to see Carlos Alos’ side go with the latter tactic from the start at Windsor Park, challenging Northern Ireland to force their way through a low block, and it did not prove easy.

Dion Charles prodded over after Pechenin gave away possession inside the box and Shea Charles brushed the side-netting with a free-kick.