Northern Ireland were held to a 0-0 draw by Hungary at Windsor Park after failing to turn a dominant first-half display into victory in their Nations League Group B2 opener.
Patrick Kelly twice came close before the interval, while Isaac Price was denied late on by Balazs Toth. Hungary managed only one shot on target, but Northern Ireland had to withstand pressure in the closing stages to secure a point.
Michael O’Neill’s side began with an aggressive press, forcing mistakes from the visitors’ defence and creating early openings for Ethan Galbraith and Price. Trai Hume then sent a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the area.
Kelly had Northern Ireland’s clearest opportunity just after the half-hour mark when Price played him through. With the goal open, the Barnsley midfielder attempted to lift the ball over Toth but could not generate enough height.
Kelly went even closer soon afterwards. Tom Atcheson flicked on a long throw from Ciaron Brown, and the ball fell to Kelly after Shea Charles had been unable to reach it while challenging Milos Kerkez. Kelly’s off-balance effort looped on to the crossbar.
Hungary struggled to impose themselves as Northern Ireland’s physical approach disrupted their rhythm. Tempers rose before the break, with Jamie Donley booked and O’Neill also shown a yellow card after protesting to referee Ricardo De Burgos.
The visitors improved after half-time, although their attempts lacked accuracy. Andras Schafer fired wide from inside the area and then missed from distance, while Donat Barany headed over from a corner.
Northern Ireland found it harder to threaten after the interval, but Price briefly restored their attacking momentum when he spun away from Kerkez after a free-kick into the box. His effort was saved at the near post by Toth.
Hungary came closest to stealing the win late on. Ruairi McConville threw himself in front of a close-range attempt from Willi Orban, before Pierce Charles saved a powerful strike from Bournemouth’s Alex Toth.
The result extends Northern Ireland’s run to just one defeat in their last 10 competitive matches in Belfast. However, O’Neill will be frustrated by the four further bookings for Shea Charles, Donley, Price and Galbraith, in addition to his own caution.
