Ireland labour to get their just rewards

IT MAY have been their best result in any game since they beat China back in 1983, and only their seventh win in the intervening 36 matches, but even last night at Dalymount Park, against a disappointing under-21 side from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, there were some frustrating moments for the home side's new manager as he sought reverse the trend and consign the appalling record to history.

The Irish team threatened to introduce Ian Evans to the sort of misery with which regular followers of the side are already all too familiar. However, they finished the game with a sprinkling of goals their domination deserved.

For most of the match Ireland's nagging inability to capitalise on the clear-cut chances they consistently manufactured almost deprived them of the three points. It wasn't until the closing stages that the possibility of a draw was finally killed off. Against a shaky defence, it was about time.

The hosts took the lead in the 33rd minute when Mark Kennedy's cross was flicked on by Ross Darcy for Dominic Foley to head in at the right-hand post. The goal only came after a string of near misses, though, including attempts by Owen Coll and Stephen Carr that hit the woodwork in a hectic and near constant attack on the visitors' goal.

The second half started in much the same way. However, Ian Evans' side lost their shape and with it their superiority. Macedonia had more than one chance to get back on level terms, but when Argent Bekiri's shot hit the post in the 65th minute, their hopes rapidly began to fade.

Ireland pushed forward again and in the scramble after Glen Crowe's header came back off the post, Stephen Carr capped a fine performance by making it 2-0 with a close range drive.

Ireland dominated the last quarter of an hour and Mark Kennedy, who actually had a quiet night overall, ensured that the scoreline reflected the run of play with two goals in as many minutes.