Merseyside Derby Preview

Posted on September 26, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Everton boss Roberto Martinez is hopeful of their first win at Anfield since September 1999. The Blue side of Merseyside have played 16 matches since their last success at their City rivals but the former Wigan manager is confident they can break the hoodo. Martinez expressed the urge of using this to his sides benefit as a motivational tool “the stats are there to be broken, we need embrace and it is something we look forward to”. Martinez continued with “It is a tough place to visit but there are many more in the league  that we’ve gone to and made history”. With the Everton boss referring to ending their 21 year winless record at Old Trafford last season with a 1-0 win.

Brendan Rogers has highlighted that the increased amount of new faces has put more pressure on his side as they look to emulate last season’s heroics. Rogers continued “as you bring in players and lose the core, it can become a little bit broken; we are all set on re-focusing on what has seen us win consistently over the last 18 months”.

The Reds could have Daniel Sturridge available after recovering from his injury picked up on international duty but after not training all week, he could be set for a place on the bench. However Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho should be fit despite injury problems but Emre Can, Glen Johnson, Jon Flanagan and Joe Allen remain out.

With both sides competing in Europe this season, last week’s defeats at West Ham for Liverpool and at home to Palace for Everton came after victory for both in their first group match. With Liverpool away in Basel on Wednesday and Everton in Russia on Thursday, both will be looking for a win. Everton will be waiting on the Seamus Coleman who is doubtful with a head injury and Steven Pienaar with a hamstring problem but Ross Barkley returned to light training this week.

Liverpool have only lost one of their last 15 premier league games against Everton but if defeated in the Derby they would have lost three consecutive matches for the first time since 2012. With goals a plenty in last season’s encounters, Everton will need to careful of similar fate of their 4-0 defeat January and conceding 13 goals in 5 matches this is a major problem for what has been a good defence. However only 2 of the goals have been conceded away from home with the Blues achieving 4 clean sheets out of their last 8 away matches.

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Bury Move top at Expense of Brewers

Posted on September 22, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Ryan Lowe and Daniel Nardiello helped Bury leapfrog Burton to go top of League 2; Nardiello struck either side of Ryan Lowe 4th of the season, Jacob Blyth netted a consolation for Burton. Wycombe remain third after Johnny Ertl’s equalizer for Portsmouth after Sam Wood but the Chair boys in front. Southend moved up to fourth thanks to a 3-2 win away at York; Myles Weston put Southend ahead before Russell Penn leveled straight after half time. Kevin Hurst and Jack Payne put the Shrimpers 3-1 ahead before Dave Winfield netted a consolation. Adebayo Akinfenwa’s third goal in a week moved Wimbledon to tenth after victory over Morecambe.

Shrewsbury and Newport drew 0-0 leaving the Shrews 6th in the table. Joe Hanks’s equalizer 3 minutes from time moved Cheltenham to seventh; Jamie Cureton put the Daggers ahead before Hanks’s struck. 3 first half goals for Mansfield moved them to just outside the play offs; Lee Beevers and a double from Rakisk Bingham put Town 3-0 in front. David Amoo and Kyle Dempsey gave Carlisle hope but they remain win less after 9 matches. Marvin Morgan and Nathan Thomas moved Plymouth in to the top half after victory over Hartlepool.

John Coleman returned to Accrington with a win in a nine goal thriller with Northampton. Marc Richard leveled for the Cobblers after Rob Atkinson put Stanley ahead; John O’Sullivan and Atkinson netted before the break to put Stanley 3-1 ahead. 5 goals in last 15 minutes saw Stanley go 4-1 ahead with O’Sullivan’s second but Ivan Toney netted 3 minutes later to put score at 4-2 before Sean Maguire looked to have sealed win with 6 minutes to go. Toney and Darren Carter netted with a minute to go but Stanley held on. Marc Cullen’s third of the season saw Luton leap frog Cambridge into 13th. Oxford and Stevenage drew 0-0 at the Kassam leaving Oxford just outside the relegation zone. Graham Cummins and Jordan Moore-Taylor helped Exeter out of the relegation zone with victory at Tranmere. Danny Holmes equalized after Cummins put the Grecians ahead but Moore-Taylor netted with 20 minutes remaining giving Exeter second win of season.

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City Remain Top

Posted on September 22, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Bristol City remain unbeaten and top of League 1 even after losing a 2 goal lead, away at Fleetwood. Josh Morris put the Cod Army ahead before a double from Kieran Agard and Aaron Wilbraham’s 8th of the season put City 3-1 ahead. Substitute Jamie Proctor netted a minute after coming on before Stephen Dobbie earned a draw with a minute to go. A Deli Alli hat trick helped MK Dons move to second, Kyle McFadzean own goal drew Crewe level after Alli’s first but the Dons then were rampant. Will Grigg, Ben Reeves and Benik Afobe all netted for the Dons. Peterborough dropped to third after Joel Grant’s late winner for Yeovil at Huish Park. Swindon moved to fourth with a 5-2 victory over Sheffield United; Michael Smith netted twice before Jonathon Obika put Town 3-0 ahead but 2 goals in 6 second half minutes from Marc McNulty and Ben Davies gave United hope. Andy Williams and Louis Thompson put the game out of reach.

Eoin Doyle’s 12th of the season was not enough to continue Chesterfield fine start to the season as they went down 3-2 at Doncaster. Nathan Tyson and Kyle Bennett put Donny ahead before Sam Clucas netted his first for Chesterfield. Jamie McCombe restored the two goal lead before Doyle’s consolation. Bradford keep their place in the play offs with a 0-0 draw away at Colchester. Ian Henderson’s 5th of the season moved Rochdale to 7th after victory over Coventry. Bailey Wright and Joel Garner gave Preston a 2-0 win over Crawley.

Goals from Scott Cuthbert and Jobi McAnuff keep Russell Slade in a job for the time being after a 2-1 victory over Scunthorpe; Paddy Madden levelled briefly before McAnuff netted from close range. Port Vale second win of the season sees them move up to 21st; after Micky Adams’s departure in the week, Michael O’Connor and Mark Marshall netted either side of Connor Hourihane equalizer to give Vale the win. Gillingham and Walsall drew 0-0 along with Notts County and Oldham.

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Brewers 3 Clear, League 2 Round Up

Posted on September 14, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Burton Albion moved three points clear at the top of League 2 with 2-0 victory over York City, Lucas Akins and John Mousinho struck in the second half to give Brewers the win. Morecambe are back up to second, Kevin Ellison netted his fifth of the season to give the Shrimps the lead but Peter Hartley leveled 6 minutes later. James Devitt netted with 7 minutes remaining to give Morecambe another win. Second half strikes from Danny Rose, Craig Jones and Ryan Lowe moved Bury up to third after win at Carlisle. Wycombe moved fourth at the expense of Cheltenham after a 2-1 home win over Mansfield. Matt Rhead put the Stags ahead but Paul Hayes netted from the spot before Peter Murphy gave Wycombe victory in second half.

Mark Cullen’s first half strike gave Luton first victory since the start of the season over Cheltenham. Cambridge moved in to top 6 with 3-2 win at Dagenham, Luke Howell put the Daggers in front but Ryan Donaldson, Michael Nelson and Ryan Bird netted in the second half to seal victory. George Porter made the U’s worry with a second Daggers goal but they held on. Barry Corr and Shaquile Coulthirst gave Southend victory over Portsmouth. Northampton dropped to ninth after a 3-2 defeat away at Newport, Chris Zebroski, Darren Jones and Lee Minshull put County 3-0 up. Lawson D’Ath and Marc Richards responded for the Cobblers but it wasn’t enough.

Darius Charles first half strike moved Stevenage into top half after victory over Shrewbury. Hartlepool and Tranmere drew 0-0 at Victoria Road. Managerless Accrington recorded second victory of season with Jams Gray netting the winner. Exeter and Oxford both remain winless after 1-1 draw, Graham Cummins put the Grecian’s 1-0 up from the spot but Callum O’Dowda equalized for Oxford.

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Robins on Top, League 1 Round Up 13th September

Posted on September 14, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Bristol City moved a point clear at the top of League 1 after a 3-0 home win over Doncaster with Aaron Wilbraham, Mark Little and Kieran Agard with the goals. Peterborough drop to second as they could only manage a 0-0 home draw with Notts County. MK Dons moved up to third with a 5-3 win away at Barnsley; Benik Afobe and Samir Carruthers gave the Dons 2-0 half time lead. Dele Alli added a third before substitutes Will Grigg and Ben Reeves netted to make it 5-0; 3 goals in last 8 minutes with Conor Hourihane netting a brace and Devante Cole notching but the Dons moved second. Chesterfield are up to fourth with 4-1 win over Scunthorpe, Paddy Madden gave the Iron the lead before an Eoin Doyle hat trick and Sam Morsy gave the Spireites the win.

Coventry continue to enjoy their return to the Rioch with a 2-1 win over Yeovil, Reda Johnson netted his third of the season before Sam Foley equalized but substitute Simeon Jackson netted the winner for the Sky Blues. A Jonathon Obika double gave Swindon all three points a Bradford, a Louis Thompson own goal put the Bantams in front before Obika struck twice. Izale McLeod’s fourth of the season gave Crawley a 1-0 win over Fleetwood. Jamal Campbell-Rice’s first goal for Sheffield United moved them up to ninth after victory over Rochdale.

Oldham and Gillingham shared the points after a 0-0 draw at Boundary Park. Colchester recorded their first win of the season after a 2-0 victory at Orient, Sanchez Watt and Freddie Sears with the second half goals. Walsall recorded their first win with 3-1 win over Preston, Joe Garner leveled for Preston after Romaine Sawyers put Walsall in front. Tom Bradshaw and Paul Downing netted in the second half to move Walsall to 18th. George Ray and Vadaine Oliver helped Crewe achieve first points of season at hands of Port Vale. Jordan Slew halved the deficit for Vale but Crewe get their first point of season.

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Win or Walk

Posted on September 14, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Colchester sealed their first league win of the season with a snatch and grab win thanks to second half strikes from Sanchez Watt and Freddie Sears after U’s captain, Magnus Okuonghae saw red. Orient rarely threatened the Colchester goal and at this early stage of the season they trail league leaders Bristol City by 11 points after just 6 matches.

After the match Leyton Orient boss, Russell Slade revealed “we have one game to sort it out otherwise it will be curtains”. Orient have been struggling since their play off heartbreak last season but with new owners in charge, the trigger is imminent. With established professionals in the squad, the blame should not lie solely with Slade but with one of the biggest wage budgets in years, the pressure is mounting.

Orient were hit with injuries and suspensions with the likes of Cox, Vincelot and James all missing out with Marvin Bartley and new QPR winger Mike Petrasso coming in. Darius Henderson was partnered by Chris Dagnall who was fresh from his brace against Peterborough in the JPT. Whilst David Mooney was playing from the left in an unusual midfield for the home side. Colchester named an unchanged line up from their point away at Walsall last week with temporary boss Tony Humes looking for his first win.

In a timid opening thirty minutes, the bright light for Orient was new loanee Petrasso who was causing the U’s problems down the left. George Moncur and Ben Gordon picked up cautions for tackles on the winger whilst Dagnall was working hard up front for Orient but with no reward. The first real chance for Orient came after a good move down the right with Dagnall nodding over Cuthbert’s cross. 4 minutes later saw the incident of the half when a loose ball in midfield was challenged by Okuonghae and Mooney with U’s captain appearing to leave the ground with two feet and catch the Orient forward. The referee had no hesitation to produce the red card and reduce Colchester to 10 men, Sammie Szmodics was replaced by Frankie Kent to keep a back four for the visitors.

Colchester were content with sitting behind the ball, trying to catch the home side on the break utilizing the pace of Sears, Watt and Massey. Orient were trying to break down the 10 men but were struggling to make an impact. Massey went close for the visitors after great link up play down the left and a pull back by Ben Gordon. Orient continued to look dodgy at the back, Woods pulling off a fine save after Baudry let Sears in behind but the former West Ham forward’s lob was touched around the post.

Orient had a few half chances from corners with Henderson and Baudry heading over but Orient did not heed the warning from Colchester’s fast attacking breaks. From an Orient corner, the U’s took the lead, after the ball fell to Sears he ran at the Orient back line with Watt out pacing Bartley with ease. Sears played in Massey who calmly slotted behind Woods to give the 10 men the lead. Sears continued to be a menace for Colchester, continually pressing Clarke and Baudry in defense. Walker in the U’s goal pulled off a fine save to prevent an Orient equalizer after Lowry’s header from a corner.

Colchester put the game out of sight with 17 minutes left, Baudry let Sears in again with the O’s defender looking to usher the ball out, Sears nicked the ball away from him and slotted beyond Woods to seal the points. Slade introduced Jay Simpson, Dean Cox and Jobi McAnuff but they couldn’t make an impact on the game giving Colchester their first league win of the season.

Orient have looked vulnerable on the break all season and with little pace in the team, Watt waltzed through the defense for the first. Breaking down a team is something you have to do when playing at home, Orient have managed one goal in three matches at home this season with Henderson netting after a mistake against Chesterfield. Too much ball is being played up to Henderson especially when Orient go behind with this being the main ploy. Without Cox and the departed Moses, the O’s look lost of ideas in the final third and apart from set pieces did not pose a threat even playing against 10 men for 45 minutes.

Colchester looked poor in the first half with Sears the outlet for them but as Orient pushed men on, they looked dangerous on the break. With a number of players from a higher level they have experience on their side but they will struggle trying to break down a team.

In Slade’s post match interview he revealed that a win is a must at Notts County on Tuesday if he is to keep his job which seems a somewhat fast response from a team that finished third last season. However with a big budget and increased expectation it wouldn’t have taken long for the new Italian owners to have their say on the management.

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Hawks Still Unbeaten but off the Top

Posted on September 10, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Charlie Stimson’s strike 2 minutes from time prevented Harlow from regaining top spot in the Ryman North Division. Needham Market’s victory on Monday night moved them ahead of the Essex club but Jamie Smith netted his 5th of the season to put Harlow in pole position to return to the summit before Stimson, son of Thurrock Manager Mark, prodded home after Dean Driscoll spilled a free kick. 

Harlow made two changes from their 1-0 home win against Soham Town Rangers on Saturday with Luke Cuthbert and Robbie Martin replacing David Kendall and Jared Small. Thurrock were looking to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to Cheshunt on Saturday. In a lively start Lewwis Spence went close for Thurrock with a header and Jamie Smith saw his shot saved after breaking from midfield. Harlow first real chance came after 22 minutes, Alex Read received a through ball but his goal bound shot was deflected wide. From the resulting corner, Shane Stamp worked a bit of space on the edge of the box but his right foot curling shot clipped the top of the Thurrock bar.

Thurrock were causing Harlow problems, attacking with numbers and creating danger with runners in behind. Stimson cut back for Spence but the midfielder could only head wide. Harlow could sense danger on their goal and nearly took the lead straight after. Stamp who was an outlet all night for Harlow, beat Greig Stewart whipping in a fantastic ball which Martin could only poke over. Thurrock continued to look a threat with Ross Wall’s physicality causing problems, after he was found by a lofted through ball by Stimson he was prevented by a recovering Cuthbert who conceded the corner. Just before the half time whistle went, the Hawks nearly took the lead, Stamp’s shot was parried by Andy Walker but Read could not connect with the rebound and the chance went begging.

After the break Harlow showed why they have been the team to beat this season with their free flowing football and took the lead 4 minutes after the restart. After a Thurrock attack, Stamp ran forward picking up Smith who continued towards the Thurrock box and the former Brighton midfielder cut back onto his left foot and beat Walker. Harlow nearly added a second 4 minutes later after a brilliant passing move saw Cowley have his near post shot parried for a corner. Harlow continued to play free flowing football with Eadie and Stamp creating chances down the left. An injury to Layne Eadie stopped the fast paced start to the second half but Thurrock went close to an equalizer after Wall’s header clipped the bar.

The home side were getting anxious about not killing the game off with Cowley going close after good interchange between Stamp and Read but Stimson was urging his players forward to get an equalizer. Wall went close but his shot was deflected wide however Thurrock finally got their reward when a high free kick was spilled by Driscoll right into the path of Charlie Stimson who prodded home the equalizer for his 6th goal in his last 5 games. Both sides look to press for a winner but the scores remained level.

All square at the Harlow Arena, where the Hawks remain unbeaten but relinquish their grasp on top spot with the draw. Harlow Manager Danny Chapman will be disappointed that his side failed to hold on to their lead but with the chances they created he will be hoping for that extra bit of quality to continue their form at the top. Mark Stimson will be the happier of the two managers with the character is players show more is to come from this Thurrock side. Both teams are in FA Cup action on Saturday in the first qualifying round with Harlow away at Grays and Thurrock at home to Welwyn Garden City.

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Danny’s Delight as England win in Basel

Posted on September 9, 2014 by mattbristow271993

 

A brace from Arsenal’s deadline day signing, Danny Welbeck saw England open up their 2016 qualification with a win in Switzerland. The Gunners new boy replaced injured striker Daniel Sturridge and staked his claim to partner Wayne Rooney in attack with two goals.

Roy Hodgson drafted in Welbeck and what was a surprise selection in Aston Villa midfielder, Fabian Delph who impressed on his debut against Norway last week for Oxlade-Chamberlain. England reverted to a 4-4-2 system with a diamond in midfield with Jack Wilshere at the bottom, Jordan Henderson and Fabian Delph in front with Raheem Sterling playing just behind the front two of Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck. Switzerland lined up in a similar manner to the World Cup with their danger man Xherdan Shaqiri right of a front three.

Delph, who was making his full debut for the senior side made two rash challenges early on; picking up a booking after just 8 minutes. The former Leeds midfielder has picked up 20 yellow cards in the past 2 seasons for Villa but now he is on the International stage so needs to be careful. England started slowly but had more tempo to their play than Norway last week and soon caught the Swiss on the break twice. Firstly, Hart found Sterling with a brilliant pick out but the Liverpool winger was unable to find an England shirt; next he found Rooney but the England captain saw his shot go straight at the keeper.

England were finding space in the attacking third but poor decision making from Sterling and Welbeck prevented them taking the lead. Hart had to be on his toes in the England goal, saving smartly from Haris Seferovic after Jones gave away possession. The United defender had the best chance of the half when unmarked from a corner, his header was excellently saved by Sommer in the Swiss goal.

After the break both teams came out more open with Seferovic forcing Hart into a smart save and Sterling miss kicking after a great pick out from Henderson. But 5 minutes later England took the lead after a brilliant counter attack highlighting the Swiss vulnerability when they push too many men forward. Rooney played Sterling in down the left and his first time cross was swept home by Welbeck at the back post. Welbeck’s first goal in a year wearing an England shirt, with Rooney lacking form, the former United man is looking to cement a place in the team.

Despite the positives from attacking, there remained lapses in defence with Cahill having to make a goal line clearance after substitute Drmic rounded Hart after staying onside. Switzerland moved Shaqiri into a central position where he began to have more of an impact on the game, resorting to Hodgson to introduce Milner to shut up shop. England’s young team were struggling to maintain possession but sealed all three points in stoppage time. Rickie Lambert, who replaced Rooney, beat one defender then had the vision to play in Welbeck who slotted home for his second and the win for England.

3 points in what was on paper England’s hardest game highlights that the team does have the potential to do well, showing positive and negatives in their performance. The diamond in midfield looked acceptable but with WIlshere in an unnatural position at the bottom, England struggled to cut through the Swiss team. WIlshere plays further forward with Arsenal and was looking to beat a man rather than letting the ball to do the work. With game time, he will develop in that position but on numerous occasions he lacked movement to try and receive the ball from Cahill and Jones. Wilshere does not have the passing ability of predecessor, Steven Gerrard but breaks the game up; Hodgson has the decision of whether Wilshere fits into the system or the system needs to fit Wilshere. Henderson highlighted his improvement in the past season with a decent display, finally showing why Liverpool paid 20 million for the youngster.

Baines and Stones did not have their best games at full back but under Martinez at club level they will develop. Cahill and Hart were rocks at the back with the Chelsea highlighting the potential to be England captain in the future. Sterling found it hard to find space in the attacking third, dropping deeper to try and get on the ball. If Hodgson persists with the diamond in midfield, players will grow and mould into their roles but it would be nice to see a Huddlestone in that deep role as his passing ability is far superior to Wilshere.

With 2 very winnable fixtures next Hodgson needs to keep faith with the system whilst blooding youngsters in the process.

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Switzerland vs England Preview

Posted on September 8, 2014 by mattbristow271993

 

England open up their European 2016 qualifiers with tough away trip to Basel to face Switzerland; a team which narrowly exited the World Cup at the last 16 stage after defeat in extra time by Argentina. England lie 11 places below their opponents in the recent FIFA rankings and did not look that impressive in their 1-0 friendly win over Norway last week.

England will be without striker Daniel Sturridge who picked up a thigh injury in training during the week. Newly named captain, Wayne Rooney will most likely be the focal point in attack with Raheem Sterling occupying the no. 10 role. England boss Roy Hodgson has the tough decision of where to play the Liverpool youngster in the team on the wing or in the no 10 role. Sterling started the Norway friendly on the wing but after changing into middle he shone in a somewhat subdue England performance. Sterling starred last season in a central role and recently in Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Tottenham with a man of the match display.

Youth is the phrase used within the England camp after Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard announced their International retirement recently. Wayne Rooney highlighted in a recent press conference that the young lads “will need to step up”. Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere look to keep their place in central midfield but will be against a tough Swiss pair in Gokhan Inler and Valon Behrami who both had brilliant World Cups. Both were unlucky to be on the losing side against Argentina along with Xherdan Shaqiri who at the age of 22 is still developing although it seems like he has been around for years.

Switzerland can be caught in defence especially on the break with the French highlighting this in their 5-2 win over them in the World Cup group stages. The fast breaking French team cut through the Swiss defence on numerous occasions and with the youthful English team this could prove pivotal. Utilising Sterling in a central role with Oxlade-Chamberlain wide, England could pose the Swiss all sorts of problems in defence.

The last time the two teams met was in a 2012 qualifier where England fought back to a 2-2 draw with Frank Lampard and Ashley Young grabbing the goals. In the same qualification England were victorious in Basel with a 3-1 win but Switzerland are much stronger than last time out. Switzerland will provide a battle for England and depending on the result we will see what this youthful England team is made off.

This is England toughest test of qualification and will settle for a point in Basel with a home game against San Marino and away trip to Estonia next up in October they will be looking for a maximum return.

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McGeady Magic Inspires Ireland

Posted on September 7, 2014 by mattbristow271993

A brace from Everton’s Aiden McGeady ensured Republic of Ireland left Georgia with all three points. The Irish midfielder netted half way through the first half and with a minute to go in normal time to seal an opening win in Ireland’s 2016 European Qualifiers. Georgia leveled in the first half through Tornike Okriashvili’s stunner but some McGeady magic sealed the victory.

In Martin O’Neil first competitive match as Ireland boss he named a strong Irish line up including Hull City’s Stephen Quinn who was a surprise selection after his good start to the season. David Forde continued in goal despite Shay Given coming back into form and playing in Ireland’s 2-0 over Oman on Wednesday night. Ireland had won all of their previous 5 matches against Georgia and were looking to open up their campaign strongly. Georgia adopted a 3-5-2 system but at times the wing backs struggle to push on to support meaning it was more of a 5-3-2 at times. Ireland played McGeady on the left with John Walters on the right, Stephen Quinn played just behind Robbie Keane in attack.

It was Georgia who had the first chance of the match when Nikoloz Gelashvili fired across goal but his shot was deflected wide. Marc Wilson was finding it hard whether to mark tight or back off the Georgia front line and on three separate occasions he was rolled far to easy. Ireland responded instantly, after Robbie Keane dummied the ball, James McCarthy received the ball and played a delicate through ball to his Everton teammate McGeady, who fired past Loria in the Georgia goal. A fine way to respond to recent criticism that he doesn’t score enough goals from midfield.

Georgia began to grow into the game more as the half went on and leveled through a stunning strike. After Wilson was once again too tight on Tornike Okriahvili, the Georgian midfielder created a little bit of space and unleashed a dipping strike which flew over the Irish defense and past the helpless Forde. Ireland had been sitting back after going in front and let Georgia capitalize and equalize.

It remained all square until the break where Loria had to replaced after picking up an injury before half time. Georgia remained dangerous with Okriahvili the danger man for the home side but Ireland were not playing to their best. McGeady went close with a free kick and began to have more impact as the game progressed. The midfielder went close with 15 minutes remaining, creating a small pocket of space but blazed over when just inside the box. The game looked like ending in a draw until a piece of Irish magic won the game, McGeady received the ball just on the edge of the box and with a beautiful turn created space for himself to curl the ball into the far corner to win the game for Ireland.

It was not vintage Ireland by all means but the main point was they got the three points to start their qualification campaign in the best possible way. With World Cup champions Germany in their group, Ireland will not top the group but should have enough to qualify with only Poland and Scotland providing real opposition for them. It sets them up nicely for their next two qualifiers against Gibraltar and Germany where they will be expecting a home win vs Gibraltar and any result in Germany will be a bonus. Martin O’Neil will be looking for a bit extra in the next home game but will happy with the end result.

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