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12.02.2008 at 14:00 Sochi Attendance: 1600
Russia 2 - 1 Rep of Ireland Under 19
Referee: Friendly-match

Goalscorers
None James Collins (62)
Opening squads
Gerard Hanley
Danny Kelly
John Dunleavy
Mark Connolly
Gearoid Morrissey
Aaron Doran
Damien Mc Crory
Shane O'Connor
Ian Daly
James Collins
Substitutes
Harry Lee
Niall Mc Ardle
Gavin Gunning
Paul Murphy- 91
Conor Clifford
Charlie Collins
Substitutions
None Niall Mc Ardle -> Danny Kelly (39)
Conor Clifford -> Gearoid Morrissey (46)
Paul Murphy- 91 -> Shane O'Connor (46)
Charlie Collins -> James Collins (83)
Gavin Gunning -> John Dunleavy (89)
Yellow cards
None Shane O'Connor (32)
Red cards
None None.
Match report | Preview
Russia 2 Republic of Ireland 1

Ireland suffered a set back before the start of the game when Lanre Oyebanjo suffered an injury in the warm up and had to be replaced by John Dunleavy in defence.

If that was not bad enough Ireland suffered a further reverse when they conceded a goal after only 2 minutes when the defence was slow to clear and the Russian forward took advantage nipping in between Ger Hanley and Mark Connolly for the opening goal.

Ireland settled and played controlled football making their more illustrious rivals chase shadows as Ireland produced as good a show as has been seen for a long time.

With Gearoid Morrissey and Ritchie Towell controlling the middle they was plenty of ball for the wingers Shane O'Connor and Aaron Doran.

Despite their possession Ireland never managed to really test the Russian keeper.

Twice in the first half Ger Hanley had to come to Ireland's rescue as Russia were content to sit on their lead and hit Ireland on the break.

Danny Kelly had to taken off after 39 minutes when an unfortunate clash of heads left Danny needing two stitches with Niall Mc Ardle replacing him.

Niall Mc Ardle was "yellow carded" as the referee maintained that he came on without permission. However his "yellow card" was rescinded when the referee discovered that the 4th official had told Niall to enter the field of play.

Ireland continued where they had left off and deservedly equalised after 27 minutes of the second half when a pin point cross by Johnny Dunleavy was met by the head of James Collins who expertly headed back across goal and over the head of the Russian keeper.

It was no more than Ireland deserved!.

The joy was short lived however as a defensive mistake allowed Russia restore their lead after only 25 seconds following Ireland's equaliser.

Russia having allowed Ireland back into the game once were determined not to do it again and with Ireland battling hard Russia were content to soak up all the pressure and emerge as winners.
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