Northern Ireland secured a vital point towards their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2016 as Kyle Lafferty scored at the death to earn them a 1-1 draw against Hungary this evening.

Richard Guzmics put the visitors ahead when he capitalised on an error from Michael McGovern to tap the ball into the net, while Chris Baird was then dismissed for Michael O'Neill's men.

Hungary looked to have secured the victory until Lafferty pounced on a rebound in the box and earned his side a share of spoils.

Here, Sports Mole evaluates all the players on their performances at Windsor Park.

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NORTHERN IRELAND

Goal

Michael McGovern: Made the costly error that allowed Guzmics to put Hungary ahead when he dropped the ball at the feet of a defender from a simple cross into the box. Also made a couple of solid stops, but his mistake was at a crucial time in the game. (4/10)

Defence

Conor McLaughlin: Offered a threat down the right in the final third in the first half, although he faded in the second half. (6/10)

Jonny Evans: A solid presence for the majority for the match and was rarely troubled at the back. Won his fare share of aerial duels in both boxes. (7/10)

Gareth McAuley: Had a good game for O'Neill's men as he was able to counter the threat of Nemeth without a problem. (7/10)

Chris Brunt: His set pieces lacked quality and were often easily claimed by Kiraly. Could have pushed forward more in the second half. (6/10)

Midfield

Corry Evans: Did not have a great impact on the game as he struggled to retain possession on the right. Didn't offer an outlet and was replaced by McGinn. (5/10)

Oliver Norwood: Was handed the duty with Brunt from set pieces, but struggled to deliver quality, despite being put in some good positions. Could have pushed forward more from midfield. (5/10)

Steven Davis: Offered an attacking spark in the early stages of the match, but then dropped back for the rest of the contest and failed to provide enough support to Lafferty. (6/10)

Chris Baird: Protected his back four well, but was sent off late in the game for two rash challenges, which could have cost his team on another day. (5/10)

Stuart Dallas: Made several surging runs in the first half, but seemed timid to shoot when in good position in and around the box. Offered plenty of industry on the left flank, but quality was lacking at key moments. (6/10)

Attack

Kyle Lafferty: Excellent performance from the forward and was rewarded with a goal. He led the line by himself extremely well and managed to put pressure on the Hungary backline. Won several free kicks for his side in the final third. (8/10)

Substitutes

Niall McGinn: Hit the well-timed strike that brought the save from Kiraly, which led to Lafferty's goal. Made more of an impact in the midfield than Evans. (6/10)

Josh Magennis: Came on to provide an extra body in the final third and made a big effort to get in and around Lafferty to try to link up with the forward. (6/10)

Shane Ferguson: Did not have time to make an impact after arriving late in the game. (5/10)

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HUNGARY

Goal

Gabor Kiraly: Made a few smart stops in the contest, but could have done better to push McGinn's strike away from Lafferty. (6/10)

Defence

Attila Fiola: The defender made one excellent intervention to deny Lafferty in the box. Was dependable in his role at right-back. (6/10)

Richard Guzmics: Was in the right place at the right time to fire the ball into the net, capitalising on the mistake from McGovern. Had a good game at centre-back bar one error which nearly allowed Laffery to pounce. (7/10)

Tamas Kadar: Decent game as he battled throughout the game with Lafferty. (7/10)

Leonardo: Struggled to get into the game in the first half, but gradually grew into the match. Solid outing. Was booked in the first half. (6/10)

Midfield

Balazs Dzsudzsák: Put a few decent crosses into the box and tried to get his side driving into the final third with mixed success. (7/10)

Akos Elek: Sustained an injury in the first half and was taken off in the 23rd minute. (5/10)

Zoltan Gera: Had a quiet first half, but gradually grew into the game and was a threat in the second half with a header and shot which went just wide of the post. (7/10)

Zsolt Kalmar: Should have done better with a second-half effort, but like many of his teammates had a strong outing in the second half as he began to find space in the midfield. (6/10)

Attack

Adam Szalai: Had a quiet match as his attacking threat was quelled by Evans and McAuley. (5/10)

Krisztian Nemeth: Was a threat at times in the final third and had two decent chances to get in behind the Northern Ireland defence. Worked hard throughout the contest. (6/10)

Substitutes

Adam Nagy: Battled hard in the midfield after replacing Elek midway through the first half. Used the ball well to help his side edge possession in the second half. (6/10)

Tamas Priskin: Put himself about in the final third, but did not provide much of a threat to Evans and McAuley. Was booked for elbowing McAuley in the chest late in the game. (5/10)

Vilmos Vanczak: Came on late in the game to bolster his side's defence, but could not prevent Lafferty from finding the net. (5/10)

Written by
Simon Sinclair