Northern Ireland completed their Nations League campaign with eight points from four games, a result that represents significant advancement for the squad under manager Michael O'Neill.
The team finished the window with a 0-0 draw against Hungary on Monday, following victories in Georgia and Slovakia where they secured three points each.
O'Neill described the condensed schedule as one of the most enjoyable periods he has managed internationally, despite acknowledging the physical demands placed on smaller nations.
He made minimal changes to his starting line-up across the four fixtures, with adjustments limited to injuries involving Ballard and Galbraith's absence for a family commitment against Ukraine.
Prior to this window, Northern Ireland had never won away from home in the second tier of the competition nor collected all three points on their travels at any level.
Two weeks earlier, the team had failed to win a match in the Nations League's second tier, highlighting the magnitude of their recent achievements.
Despite the overall success, fans departed Windsor Park frustrated that the side did not take all three points in Belfast after Hungary also left with a single point last week.
Isaac Price's penalty save in the 83rd minute remains the most prominent missed opportunity to secure maximum points in the goalless draw.
Other chances were squandered by Paddy Kelly and Josh Magennis, while Ruairi McConville struck the bar during the incident that resulted in the penalty decision.
The squad's average age was notably low of 22 years old during the match against Ukraine, which they won 3-0 to demonstrate their youthful potential.
Opposing managers Jurgen Klopp for Germany and those leading Ukraine made substantial rotation decisions between their respective fixtures, contrasting with O'Neill's stability.
Northern Ireland has now accumulated their first nine points in the Uefa Nations League over a total of seventeen competitive games.
While the block as a whole is considered a success by officials, the mood among supporters suggests a desire for more decisive results in future away fixtures.