Irish deliver goods

The Ireland under-21 team's win in Ohrid yesterday gave some indication of the potential of the new players manager Ian Evans has inherited.

Already this starting line-up, seven of whom had helped the Republic to the European Youths' title last year, have had their abundant skills well cultivated. And there was evidence in this final match of their European Championship campaign that they can make a mark at this level too. The prestigious Toulon tournament in early summer will certainly provide them with a decent opportunity to impress.

With little at stake but pride, the lack of cutting edge in front of their opposition's goal and their occasional sleepiness around their own was probably understandable. The goal that won the game for the visitors was well worked, Richie Partridge out-pacing his marker down the left and crossing to beyond the far post from where Martin Rowlands had only to pick his spot.

The Irish striking partnership had only to do that themselves on a string of occasions, however, but repeatedly failed to put away their chances. Three times Liam George allowed the Macedonian goalkeeper to block with his foot in one-on-one situations, while his Luton team-mate missed the target badly once in each half.

At the other end, the Irish were also sloppy at times, notably late on when their hosts had more than one opportunity to grab an equaliser. For the bulk of the game they looked commanding, however, with Jason Gavin, Clive Clarke and Andy O'Brien coping solidly. In midfield, Evans's side was more comfortable with Barry Quinn and Rowlands giving the Irish a decisive edge while Richie Partridge, and later Ronnie O'Brien, as well as Richie Baker providing the bulk of the scoring opportunities.

"It was a bit disjointed, but then with 10 new caps out there over the course of the game that was to be expected," said Evans afterwards. "I'm delighted with the result, though. We should have had another few goals from play, but we can go away and work on the positive points from today's game and hopefully we'll see the benefits by the time we go to France."

Macedonia: Mirkov; Staugnovski; Elmazovski, Vasoski, Stojanov, Ramadan; Ignatov, Krstev, Petrov; Nacevski, Ruteski. Subs: Veleski for Petrov (half-time); Siveski for Krstev (64 mins); Spasovski for Staugnovski (75 mins).

Republic of Ireland: O'Reilly (Northampton); Heary (Huddersfield), Gavin (Middlesbrough), O'Brien (Bradford City), Clarke (Stoke City); Partridge (Liverpool), Rowlands (Brentford), Quinn (Coventry), Healy (Celtic); George, Doherty (both Luton Town). Subs: O'Brien (Lugano) for Healy (58 mins); Sadlier (Millwall) for Doherty (77 mins); Baker (Shelbourne) for George (80 mins).

Referee: T Henning Ovrebo (Norway).