Republic of Ireland U21 5 - 0 Estonia U21
Credit:
Noel King enjoyed a dream start in his first match in charge of the Ireland under 21 side, as they emerged 5-0 winner over Estonia at Tallaght Stadium. A brace from Anthony Stokes and goals from James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman and Owen Garvan secured the win.
Estonia had a few early chances, but the first half was largely dominated by Ireland. Stephen Henderson was forced to punch away a shot by Artjom Dmitrijev after three minutes, but once Anthony Stokes managed the first Irish shot on target after ten minutes it always looked like an Irish win.
Stokes ran past two Estonian defenders before shooting straight in to the arms of Estonian 'keeper Mark Meerits. The Hibs striker didn't have to wait long for his first goal though, after he opened the scoring on fifteen minutes. James McCarthy crossed deep in to the Estonian penalty area, and Stokes was at hand to smash the ball in with a great finish.
The Wigan player almost turned provider again moments later, but Eddie Nolan just missed a connecting header on his cross. Stokes converted a penalty to get the second goal on the half hour mark after he was brought down by Jahhimovits in the box. Ireland closed the half well, retaining possession to head in to the break two goals up.
Estonia came out from the break and attempted to claw a goal back, and almost did through Andreo Pebre on forty seven minutes when the substitute hit the crossbar with a header.
Ireland soon reaffirmed their dominance though, and on sixty-two minutes got their third goal. James McCarthy finished simply after Stokes beat two defenders and passed to the Wigan midfielder.
Estonia's chances were rare from then on; Jevdikimov shooting well wide on seventy-three minutes for one of the few. With four minutes left, Seamus Coleman capped a lovely Ireland move- blasting a thirty-yard shot at goal. It deflected and went in to the net.
Owen Garvan capped off a wonderful Irish performance a minute into stoppage time- tapping in after Stokes passed back to him following a move which Garvan himself started.
Republic of Ireland: Stephen Henderson, Seamus Coleman, Gavin Gunning, Robert Kiernan, Edward Nolan, James McCarthy, Stephen Gleeson, Owen Garvan, Cillian Sheridan, Conor Clifford, Anthony Stokes.
Subs: Shane Redmond, Olanrewayu Oyebanjo, Conor Hourihane, Aaron Doran, Brendan Moloney, Alan Judge, Joseph Mason
Estonia: Marko Merits, Marek Kaljumae, Taijo Teniste, Aleksei Jahhimovitis, Artjom Artjunin, Siimi Tenno, Andre Frolon, Ken Kallaste, Rauno Alliku, Eino Puri, Artjom Dmitrijev.
Subs: Alan Ventsel, Andrei Veis, Rauno Tutk, Martin Tsegodajen, Anders Pebre, Juri Jendokimon, Henri Anier.
Referee: Paulus Von Boekel (Netherlands)
Attendance: 2010
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Anthony Stokes
Estonia had a few early chances, but the first half was largely dominated by Ireland. Stephen Henderson was forced to punch away a shot by Artjom Dmitrijev after three minutes, but once Anthony Stokes managed the first Irish shot on target after ten minutes it always looked like an Irish win.
Stokes ran past two Estonian defenders before shooting straight in to the arms of Estonian 'keeper Mark Meerits. The Hibs striker didn't have to wait long for his first goal though, after he opened the scoring on fifteen minutes. James McCarthy crossed deep in to the Estonian penalty area, and Stokes was at hand to smash the ball in with a great finish.
The Wigan player almost turned provider again moments later, but Eddie Nolan just missed a connecting header on his cross. Stokes converted a penalty to get the second goal on the half hour mark after he was brought down by Jahhimovits in the box. Ireland closed the half well, retaining possession to head in to the break two goals up.
Estonia came out from the break and attempted to claw a goal back, and almost did through Andreo Pebre on forty seven minutes when the substitute hit the crossbar with a header.
Ireland soon reaffirmed their dominance though, and on sixty-two minutes got their third goal. James McCarthy finished simply after Stokes beat two defenders and passed to the Wigan midfielder.
Estonia's chances were rare from then on; Jevdikimov shooting well wide on seventy-three minutes for one of the few. With four minutes left, Seamus Coleman capped a lovely Ireland move- blasting a thirty-yard shot at goal. It deflected and went in to the net.
Owen Garvan capped off a wonderful Irish performance a minute into stoppage time- tapping in after Stokes passed back to him following a move which Garvan himself started.
Republic of Ireland: Stephen Henderson, Seamus Coleman, Gavin Gunning, Robert Kiernan, Edward Nolan, James McCarthy, Stephen Gleeson, Owen Garvan, Cillian Sheridan, Conor Clifford, Anthony Stokes.
Subs: Shane Redmond, Olanrewayu Oyebanjo, Conor Hourihane, Aaron Doran, Brendan Moloney, Alan Judge, Joseph Mason
Estonia: Marko Merits, Marek Kaljumae, Taijo Teniste, Aleksei Jahhimovitis, Artjom Artjunin, Siimi Tenno, Andre Frolon, Ken Kallaste, Rauno Alliku, Eino Puri, Artjom Dmitrijev.
Subs: Alan Ventsel, Andrei Veis, Rauno Tutk, Martin Tsegodajen, Anders Pebre, Juri Jendokimon, Henri Anier.
Referee: Paulus Von Boekel (Netherlands)
Attendance: 2010
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Anthony Stokes
About Niall Farrell
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