Ireland can build on late display

EURO 2004 U-21 QUALIFIER - Republic of Ireland 1, Georgia 1: A Colin Cryan goal early in the second half earned the Republic of Ireland a share of the spoils with Georgia at Buckley Park, Kilkenny, last night.

Despite the distractions of the week following the news that Ireland had unknowingly played the suspended Liam Miller in Friday's 2-1 victory over Albania, Ireland took the game to their visitors.

Even after Keith Gilroy was sent off in the second half, Ireland looked the more likely side to win the game.

Ireland had started the brighter with wingers Thomas Butler and Andy Reid posing a big threat to the Georgian defence, but the visitors' policy of defending deep got them out of trouble, with goalkeeper Zurab Mamaladze rarely threatened.

But Georgia were dangerous from set-pieces with playmaker Giorgi Dekanosidze's deliveries putting debut Ireland goalkeeper Dan Connor under pressure on several occasions.

Georgia took the lead on 25 minutes and Dekanosidze was involved. He played a wonderful pass that split the heart of the Irish defence for Lado Akhalaia to run clean through and toe poke past Connor and into the net.

Akhalaia's quick thinking and lightning reactions almost brought him a second goal in the 29th minute. Inevitably Dekanosidze was involved as he floated over a corner that was met by a header from Akhalaia only for Connor to pull off a wonderful reaction save.

Ireland started to make inroads at the beginning of the second half and should have been level in the 48th minute when a Reid corner found Sean Thornton unmarked inside the six yard box. Clearly surprised by the chance, Thornton failed to get any power in his shot and Mamaladze cleared.

But Ireland were level on 53 minutes after a mistake by Mamaladze, who failed to hold a Thornton free-kick and defender Cryan was first to the loose ball to head over Mamaladze and into the empty net.

The goal gave Ireland the confidence to push on and look for a win and Georgia's back line did well to withstand some strong Irish pressure.

But Ireland were also leaving gaps at the back and, in the 62nd minute, Akhalaia broke free of the defence only for Gilroy to pull back the striker.

Referee Robert Johnsdorf tried to play an advantage but when none was forthcoming he called play back and sent off Gilroy.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Connor, Capper, Kelly, Cryan, Thompson, Gilroy, Butler, Barrett, O'Flynn (Elliott 65), Thornton (Kevin O'Connor 79), Reid (Hoolahan 89). Subs Not Used: Byrne, Kohlmann, Graham Ward, Deeney. Sent Off: Gilroy (63). Goals: Cryan 53.

GEORGIA: Mamaladze, Tsimakuridze, Salukvadze, Intskirveli (Berianidze 83), Kandelaki, Gamezardashvili, Khojava (Sajaia 61), Tchelidze, Akhalaia, Dekanosidze (Akhalkatsi 79), Bobokhidze. Subs Not Used: Ivardava, Kokiashvili, Rekhviashvili, Chkhetiani. Goals: Akhalaia 25.

Referee: R Johnsdorf (Luxembourg)