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02.09.1998 at 19:30 Tolka Park
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Attendance: |
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Referee: John Mc Dermott |
Friendly / PROG-match |
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None. |
Liligan 17 mins;
Gerrard 24 mins;
Vassell 36 mins;
Vassell 72 mins;
Jeffers 79 mins; |
Dean Delaney
Jason Gavin
Derek Geary
John Frost
Gary Doherty
Colin Healy
Graham Barrett
Ger Crossley
Tony Shields
Richie Partridge
Paul Knight
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Taylor (Arsenal),
D Wright (Crewe),
Woodgate (Leeds),
S Wright (Liverpool),
Naylor (Wolves),
Chadwick (Man Utd),
Wellens (Man Utd),
Gerrard (Liverpool),
Lilligan (Everton),
Bridge (Southampton),
Vassell (Aston Villa). |
England roast Irish U-18's
Republic of Ireland 0 England 5
The wheels came off Brian Kerr's previously successful bandwagon as England thrashed Ireland in last nights U-18 Friendly International at Tolka Park.
And Kerr was the first man to admit that England were by far the superior side on the night. With just four survivors from the side that collected that European Championship title in Cyprus last July, the Irish were this time forced to play second fiddle.
"We gave away simple goals. In fact, we were outplayed. This was an impressive English side, a totally different proposition from the team we played in Cyprus," said Kerr.
Look out for the name of Manchester United youngster Luke Chadwick. It was his skill and pace that created England's three first-half goals. The David Beckham lookalike gave Waterford defender John Frost a roasting as England strolled to an easy victory.
Darius Vassell was able to nod back Chadwick's cross after 17 minutes to allow Everton's Jamie Lilligan to shoot left footed off an upright for England's opener.
Seven minutes later another Chadwick cross was not properly cleared by the Irish defence and Liverpool's Stephen Gerrard shot through a crowded goalmouth. England further stretched their lead on 36 minutes. Midfielder Richard Wellens found Chadwick on the right and another precision cross by the youngster presented Vassell with the simple task from close range.
England always looked a stronger side physically and technically and it came as no surprise when substitute Adam Oliver set up Aston Villa's Vassell for his second goal in the 72nd minute. Shrugging off the challenge of two defenders, Vassell then coolly shot past Delaney.
Matthew Etheringdon piled on the agony for Ireland when he released a clever ball from midfield for Everton's Francis Jeffers for the fifth goal in the 79th minute.
An outcast Irish side had only two moments when they threatened the English defence. First Liverpool winger Richie Partridge had one shot blocked early on by Arsenal keeper Stuart Taylor. Then midway through the second-half, Celtic's Ger Crossly was narrowly off target with a 22yd free kick. But those were rare moments.
IRELAND: Delaney (Everton); Geary (Sheffield Wed), Gavin (Middlesborough); Doherty (Luton), Frost (Waterford); Partridge (Liverpool), Crossly (Celtic), Healy (Celtic), Shields (Peterborough); Knight (Newcastle), Barrett (Arsenal).
ENGLAND: Taylor (Arsenal), D Wright (Crewe), Woodgate (Leeds), S Wright (Liverpool), Naylor (Wolves), Chadwick (Man Utd), Wellens (Man Utd), Gerrard (Liverpool), Lilligan (Everton), Bridge (Southampton), Vassell (Aston Villa).
Referee John McDermott (Dublin). |
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