Pierce Charles – 7
Starting XI
Preferred over Bailey Peacock-Farrell once again. Had practically nothing to do throughout, especially in the first half as Belarus were easily contained.
Ciaron Brown – 7
Deployed in a back three alongside Daniel Ballard and Trai Hume. The Oxford United man was at ease on the left side.
Daniel Ballard – 8
The fit-again Sunderland stopper soothed Windsor Park’s anxieties with a close range header five minutes after half time, via a fizzing Shea Charles corner. Another fine display from the 25 year old, who continues to exude officer material in a Northern Ireland shirt.
Trai Hume – 7
So often leading by example, the Sunderland enforcer had a comfortable evening against Belarus forward Evgeni Shikavka. A largely routine night versus little threat from Carlos Alos’ visitors.
Brodie Spencer – 6
In the team once again after starring in Northern Ireland’s 5-0 win over Bulgaria. Worked hard, shuttling between defence and midfield.
Shea Charles – 8
Captaining the national side for the first time, the precocious midfielder helped keep Northern Ireland’s momentum going, while making timely interceptions against rare Belarusian forays. Almost outfoxed Belarus keeper Fedor Lapoukhov with a clipped free kick in the 25th minute. Supplied the corner for the winning goal.
Ali McCann – 7
Winning his 27th cap, the Preston North End player was an impish presence alongside midfield partner Shea Charles. Helped influence matters, especially after the Ulstermen took the lead.
Conor Bradley – 8
Positioned in a rangy, attacking right wing back role, the Liverpool ace drove forward well to try and stretch the ‘White Wings’ in different areas of the pitch. A standing ovation from the Green and White Army at the climax. Tireless.
Isaac Price – 7
Playing just behind a front pairing of Dion Charles and Paul Smyth, this was another chance for the hat trick hero of Northern Ireland’s demolition of Bulgaria to impress. Fired a great shot just over the bar in the second half but there was to be no repeat of last month’s scoring feats.
Paul Smyth – 6
Often a frustrated figure as the Belarus’ blanket defence kept the mobile QPR attacker quiet for long spells. Worked hard before being replaced late on.
Dion Charles – 7
Instinctive left foot flick from 12 yards out which drew a good save from Lapoukhov, as the hosts applied some early pressure. Had a tough battle with Belarus defender Sergei Politevich. Kept his cool to double Northern Ireland’s lead from the penalty spot in 63 minutes.
Subs
George Saville: Came on for as part of a triple 73rd minute substitution for Ballard. Great angled effort parried away by Lapoukhov.
Jamie Reid: Replaced Smyth in the 75th minute to take a central attacking role.
Josh Magennis: The popular veteran came on for Dion Charles in the 75th minute to add fresh zest to the home attack in the closing stages.
Ruairi McConville: On for Price with five minutes remaining to make his Northern Ireland debut.
Brad Lyons: Came on for Bradley to help shore up the team with a couple of minutes remaining.
Subs not used: Bailey Peacock-Farrell (GK), Luke Southwood (GK), Kofi Balmer, Ethan Galbraith, Callum Marshall, Jordan Thompson, Lee Bonis
Manager
Michael O’Neill – 8
The Norn Iron chief will, on reflection, have concerns about a fairly flat first half. However his faith in this greenhorn squad remains vindicated ahead of the trip to Luxembourg and the final game in this Nations League series.