Ireland beat Northern Ireland in Amateur International
Credit:
Republic of Ireland 2 Northern Ireland 0
Gerry Smith's Republic of Ireland side recorded a well deserved 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in an Amateur international at the AUL Complex on Saturday in what were best described as tropical conditions.
Smith capped eleven new players in his squad of twenty players in a game that acted as part of Northern Ireland's build up for the finals of the UEFA Regions Cup in Venito, Italy later this month.
Northern Ireland manager Harry Mc Conkey will have a lot to ponder on ahead of their opening game against hosts Italy as his outfit could not get to grips with the physical and direct approach of the Republic of Ireland team.
The first half was a slightly cagey affair with both goalkeepers having very little to do and both defences well on top. Smith started Glenea Utd's Christopher Sweeney in goal and he gave a very solid first half performance.
McAteer, Mooney, Meleady and Walsh looked solid while Tierney, Boyle, English and Canning were well on top in midfield, upfront Carpenter and Townley caused the Northern Ireland defence no end of problems.
The second half saw both managers make a number of changes and this resulted in the Republic gaining the upper hand with Keith Nibbs and Gary Rooney impressing in the middle and on 61 minutes Shane Clarke of Janesboro got the final touch from a long pass to put the home side in front.
They went two up on 72 minutes when Kilbarrack's Mark Townley fired in from close range after the North failed to clear a corner.
The Republic saw out the game with the experience of Danny Loughran and Ray Whelehan winning out in midfield while Boyle and Kenny looked impressive.
Smith will now turn his thoughts to the Umbro Quadrangular Tournament in September were his Junior selection will compete against Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Republic Of Ireland Squad: Chris Sweeney (Glenea Utd), John Meleady (Kilbarrack Utd), Reece Mc Ateer (Glebe North), James Walsh (St. Michaels), John Tierney (Pike Rovers), John Boyle (Carew Park), Shane Canning (Moville FC), Mark Townley (Kilbarrack Utd), James English (Ayrfield FC), Dean Carpenter (Collinstown FC), Ray Whelehan (Wayside Cel), Ross Carrig (St. Kevins Boys), Keith Nibbs (City Utd), Gary Rooney (City Utd), Brendan O' Connell (Rockmount FC), Chris Kenny (Shamrock Rovers), David Hoban (Westport Utd), Shane Clarke (Janesboro FC), Danny Loughran (Crumlin Utd).
