Irish held to draw with hosts San Marino
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The Republic of Ireland’s UEFA Regions Cup representatives Leinster & Munster were held to a disappointing scoreless draw by hosts San Marino in their second Intermediary Round Group Six fixture in Montecchio on Friday.
Gerry Smith’s side created a number of opportunities but failed to find a way past San Marino’s U21 international goalkeeper Mattia Manzaroli.
Following their opening round loss to English representatives Jersey, the Irish side are out of the UEFA Regions Cup after this result.
Leinster & Munster dominated from the start and with six changes from the Jersey game it was clear from the start that San Marino were intent on defending.
In the first half Lee Murtagh and James Lee went close but the best chance of the half fell to San Marino when Evandro Rodrigues failed to capitalise on a mistake by Paul Breen.
In the second half Alan McCabe created an excellent chance for Adam Foley only for his shot to go the wrong side of the post. Shane Waters always looked dangerous on the ball but was crowded out by two and three defenders every time.
Lee Murtagh went close again in the closing stages of the game only to see his shot saved by the keeper. Leinster & Munster’s luck was out and this was confirmed when substitute Niall Hoban had to limp off in the 80th minute after all their substitutes has been used.
San Marino were the ones celebrating at the final whistle after securing a first ever point against an Irish side in the UEFA Regions Cup.
In was disappointment in the Irish camp after such high hopes at the start of the competition, the players gave it their all but it was not to be. They face Northern Ireland representatives Eastern Region on Sunday (4.00pm) at Serravalle.
San Marino: Mattia Manzaroli; Marco Berardi, Simone Ciavatta (Andrea Moroni 67), Achille Della Valle (Adolfo José Hirsch 57), Evandro Rodrigues, Gabriele Genghini, Ivano Greco, Cristian Maccagno (Enrico Golinucci 78), Vladimir Mikhaylovski, Marco Ugolini, Daniele Rocchi.
Leinster & Munster: Adrian Walsh; Paul Murphy, Paul Breen, Barry Kavanagh (Alan McCabe 55), Ray Whelehan, Adam Foley (James Carr 76), Conor Dillon, Lee Murtagh, Ross Carrig, James Lee, Shane Waters (Niall Hoban 69).
Referee: Thoroddur Hjaltalin (ISL)
