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08.10.2006 at 15:00 FC Turnova Strumica
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Attendance: 50 |
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Belarus |
1 - 4
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Rep of Ireland Under 19 |
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Referee: Emil Laursen (Den) |
European Qualifier / T/S-match |
Igor Khomliak,
Aleh Versatsila,
Ryhor Filipenko,
Yuri Ostroukh,
Mikhail Sivakov,
Stanislau Drahun,
Aleksandr Kolotsei,
Andrei Kukharonak,
Siarhei Usenia,
Dmitri Rekish,
Ihar Lisita, |
Stephen Henderson
Simon Madden
Michael Spillane
Edward Nolan
Lorcan Fitzgerald
Robert Bayly
Alan Power
Stephen Gleeson
Scott Davies
Adam Rooney
Keith Treacy
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Filipenko 2 mins,
Filipenko 21 mins,(2nd yellow) |
None. |
Filipenko 21 mins,
Kisli 71 mins,
Usenia 78 mins, |
None. |
Ireland went into this game needing a win to qualify for the Elite Round of the Under 19 UEFA Qualifying Competition.
Ireland got the tonic they needed in the first minute when Robert Bayley crossed into the box eighteen years old Adam Rooney (Stoke City) cushioned his header into the path of the inrushing Keith Treacy who was taken down by number 4 Filipenra. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and booking Filipenra.
The penalty kick taken by Eddie Nolan was saved at the right hand post by keeper Khomliak but he was unable to stop Adam Rooney reacting the quickest and coolly slotting the ball home for the opening score.
Ireland with Keith Treacy and Adam Rooney proving a handful for the Belarus defence should have added to their tally in the first half.
Worse was to follow for Belarus as Filipenra picked up his second yellow for a cruel tackle on Treacy after 20 minutes and he received his marching orders.
As is the case sometimes the advantage fell to Belarus and they equalised after 37 minutes when a defensive error left Rekish through to score.
Sean Mc Caffrey introduced Matthew Cassidy for Scott Davies and the substitution made Ireland look more secure at the back as Cassidy went in at right full with Simon Madden taking over the right side of midfield.
Ireland took the lead again after 51 minutes and it was that that man Rooney again. Rooney was set up by Robert Bayley and Rooney as cool as you like lobbed the advancing Keeper Khomliak for Ireland’s second goal.
Ireland made sure of the win as Michael Spillane (Norwich City) hit a bullitt like header from a corner taken by Stephen Gleeson to leave Ireland 3-1 ahead.
Belarus had their second player Kisly who had only come on a substitute when he took down Lorcan Fitzgerald for his second yellow card after 71 minutes.
Adam Rooney made it a special day as he got his hat trick after 73 minutes when Anthony Mason – a substitute for Keith Treacy suffering from stomach cramps- set up Rooney for his third goal thus becoming the first player to score three goals at this age group since Stephen Ward score 3 in Ireland’s 10-1 defeat of San Marino.
Ireland now face Holland (winners by 1-0 over Macedonia with a goal scored in the 93rd minute) on Wednesday to decide who qualifies at Group winners.
Ireland finished the game with ten men as Stephen Gleeson limped off in the dying minutes and as Ireland had already introduced their three substitutions. Hopefully both Treacy and Gleeson will be available for Wednesday’s game.
The venue has not yet been decided as the rain has stopped here in Strumica but the pitches are still waterlogged.
Ireland only need a draw to top the group as they had a better goal average that Holland.
Republic of Ireland Fixture
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11TH
Republic of Ireland v Netherlands - - 15.00 hrs.
Republic of Ireland Team:
Stephen Henderson (Aston Villa) , Simon Madden, (Leeds United)Eddie Nolan (Blackburn Rovers), Michael Spillane (Norwich City), Lorcan Fitzgerald (West Ham United), Scott Davies (Reading) Stephen Glesson (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Alan Power (Nottingham Forest), Robert Bayley (Leeds United) Keith Treacy (Blackburn Rovers) Adam Rooney (Stoke City)
Subs: Matthew Cassidy (Bolton Wanderers) for Davies ht
Anthony Mason (Plymouth Argyle) for Treacy 55mins
Karl Moore (Manchester City) for Robert Bayley 72mins
Manager
Sean McCaffrey |
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