Southern discomfort as Republic rely on Randolph backstop

On a night of chant and counter-chant at the Aviva, in the end neither set of supporters got to sing ‘There’s only one M O’Neill in Ireland’.

But if any bragging rights could be taken from this scoreless draw, they surely belonged to Michael O’Neill’s team who were clearly on top for most of the game but, for all their good build-up play, ultimately found Darren Randolph the hard border they simply couldn’t get past.

For the other O’Neill, Martin, a dismal performance by the Republic represented a third home game in succession without a goal, meaning his side are still looking for a first win since victory over the USA last June.

Hopes that Michael Obafemi might deliver didn’t materialise, the man of the day never getting a chance to be man of the night as, despite a number of changes in personnel, he remained an unused sub throughout.

As Robbie Brady made a welcome return to the fray after nearly a year out, Glenn Whelan was heading in the opposite direction, the doughty midfielder captaining the side as he took his final bow after ten years and 85 caps.

There was contrast to be found too at either end of the experience spectrum in the Republic’s starting line-up, Seamus Coleman back for his 48th cap while Darragh Lenihan was getting just his second on the left side of a three-man defence, as Martin O’Neill gave the formation another whirl, with Callum Robinson upfront.

For their part, Northern Ireland showed two changes from the side who lost 2-0 away to Bosnia in the Nations League last month, Oxford’s Gavin Whyte replacing Oliver Norwood (who is suspended for Sunday’s game against Austria) and Hearts’ Michael Smith coming in for Paddy McNair.

Against the backdrop of a well under capacity Aviva Stadium – the official attendance was given as 31,241 - it was the Northern Ireland supporters who were creating most of what passed for atmosphere in the run-up to kick-off, ‘Ulster Till We Die’ a favourite chant.

And when it came time for ‘God Save The Queen’ there was precious little all-Ireland harmony in evidence, the visitors’ anthem almost drowned out by boos from the home support.

Don't care how you feel about th politics...for fans who call ourselves 'the best in the world' booing any anthem is out of order.#IRLNIR pic.twitter.com/gENXV7CQJO

— Carl Mullan (@CarlMullan) November 15, 2018

Inevitably, once the action got going, it was James McClean’s turn to have his ears burned by the visitors at the Havelock Square end, the boos promptly answered by roars from the home crowd.

It made for quite the racket every time the Derryman got on the ball.

Pressing high up the pitch, it was the North who made the brighter start, Darren Randolph doing extremely well in the 14th minute to deny Gavin Whyte when he found himself entirely unmarked inside the box after the home defence had been caught badly out of shape.

The Republic’s first effort on goal came seven minutes later, Robbie Brady’s well-delivered free-kick from the right a welcome reminder of one of his great strengths, but Shane Duffy’s header bounced down and up before being tipped over his bar by Bailey Peacock Farrell.

Just past the half-hour mark, a similar delivery brought a similar result, although this time Lenihan’s header was straight at the Northern Ireland ‘keeper.

DUFFY MISSES GREAT CHANCE FOR ROI

Shane Duffy can only head it into the ground with the goal gaping.

Watch on Sky Sports Football or follow on here: https://t.co/YgCVA7eaZM pic.twitter.com/MWoQ4q9KWJ

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) November 15, 2018

Then, in the 35th minute came Glenn Whelan’s exit, the evergreen departing to hugs and backslaps from team mates and a warm ovation from the majority of the crowd, as Conor Hourihane came into the game.

It was as well that Brady was on the pitch for the set-pieces since the Republic were struggling badly to create anything at all from play, Coleman and McClean virtually non-existent as wing-backs in the attacking sense.

By contrast, the North were much more impressive at both keeping possession and developing the play and, when without the ball, their pressure repeatedly forced errors from the men in the green.

And it was only another save by Randolph, this time to prevent Stuart Dallas finding the net at the end of a long, uninterrupted run, which kept the scoreboard blank going into the half-time break.

At the start of the second half, Portsmouth’s Ronan Curtis got his debut as the spearhead, Robinson dropping off into the position vacated by Callum O’Dowda but still willing to get up in support of the new arrival.

Finally it seemed like there might be a bit of freshness to the Republic’s attack and when, after good work from Coleman on the right, McClean flashed a shot across the penalty area, Robinson’s near-post effort, though well wide, was at least enough to briefly lift the spirits of the home crowd.

CHANCE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

Jones goes clean through on goal for Northern Ireland but Darren Randolph keeps his side in it once again.

Watch on Sky Sports Football or follow on here: https://t.co/YgCVA7eaZM pic.twitter.com/VjnOtt59GT

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) November 15, 2018

But that would be the closest Robinson would come to getting his first goal, as he was replaced soon after by his Preston team mate Sean Maguire.

Unfortunately and worryingly, the former Cork City man’s time on the pitch was limited, hamstring injury forcing him back off again after little more than 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, it was the North who again threatened to break the deadlock, Randolph once more coming to the rescue and bailing out Lenihan after a dreadful mistake by the Blackburn defender had allowed substitute Jordan Jones a clear run on goal.

With momentum firmly with the visitors, it looked like there could be only one winner but the North have at least this much in common with the Republic: they too lack a cutting edge.

So 0-0 it ended and,for the first time on the night, the boos at the final whistle from the home support were not aimed at the opposition.

Subs for Republic of Ireland:

Conor Hourihane for Glenn Whelan (35 mins) Ronan Curtis for Callum O’Dowda (45) Enda Stevens for James McClean (65) Sean Maguire for Callum Robinson (65) Scott Hogan for Sean Maguire (78) Cyrus Christie for Darragh Leniham (83)

Subs for Northern Ireland:

Jordan Jones for Gavin Whyte (60) Paddy McNair for Corry Evans (64) Kyle Lafferty for Liam Boyce (70) Jamie Ward for Michael Smith (73)