Republic of Ireland 5-2 Scotland
Tom O’Halloran (17), Hugh Douglas (27), Daniel Fitzpatrick (32), Martin Boyle (42)
Gary Shaw (55), Sean Skelly (80, 87)
A hat trick of goals in the second half secured valuable points for Dave Archbold’s side in a thrilling encounter against Scotland which was played in dreadful conditions at Finn Park, Ballybofey on Friday night (April 2)
The win moves Ireland to the top of the table in the five nation Centenary Shield competition with Ireland in prime position to capture the Shield with a tantalising tie away to England at the end of the month:
Archbold had to draft two late replacements into the squad with the absence of Nathan Murphy due to club commitments with Dundalk and an injury to Daryl Horgan: The duo were replaced by the resourceful Jack Tim Murphy and Adam O’Hanlon:
The Irish lads were particularly impressive early on and rushed into a two/goal lead: Tom O’Halloran drove in the first on 17 minutes from just inside the box as, unmarked, he was picked out by Robbie Benson, who had been involved in two previous promising attacks:
Hugh Douglas got their second just before the half hour mark as he pounced to stab the ball home from close range after Scottish goalkeeper Andrew Murphy was unable to hold a Sean Skelly free:
Ireland appeared to be in command, but Scotland then pulled a goal back just past the half/hour with Daniel Fitzpatrick firing in from the edge of the penalty area:
Suddenly the Scots were back in the game on having gone close through a Martin Boyle shot they then drew level on 42 minutes as Boyle found the target with a great shot into the bottom corner of the net:
Daly McSorley shot just wide for Scotland shortly after the interval before Ireland restored their lead on 55 minutes with Benson doing well to evade two defenders before crossing to the far post where substitute Gary Shaw forced the ball into the net in a crowded goalmouth:
Scotland almost equalised three minutes later when Rory Emslie let fly with a cracking shot but Irish goalkeeper Marty McGinty produced a finger/tip save to divert the ball onto the woodwork and out for a corner:
Both sides had chances as play swung from end to end with no lack of endeavour despite the energy/sapping conditions:
Adam O’Hanlon’s introduction after the hour brought great vibrancy to the game: His pace was electric down the wing and he narrowly missed out on a goal when his shot in the box 12 minutes later just inched over the crossbar:
This was shortly followed by a smashing effort by Benson which drifted wide of the right post:
Ireland’s fourth came after excellent work from youngster Jack Tim Murphy: His darting run to goal was hampered by Richard Kirwan and Liam Mushet but Murphy managed to hold the ball up for Sean Skelly in space: His tremendous 20 yard strike on 81 minutes rattled the bottom corner to the roar of the home supporters:
Scotland had no option but to push forward in search of some late minute goals, however, the home side added a fifth on the counter attack:
Skelly’s initial shot hit the post, but he followed up to plant the ball into the net in gleeful fashion:
Prior to that Scotland had a late penalty plea dismissed but the Irish also defended well and overall fully deserved this victory with Skelly, Benson and O’Halloran to the fore:
Archbold’s side will prepare for the final game of the series with an International friendly against New Zealand at Ballyoulster FC on Monday, 12 April KO 3pm: This will give the Irish management time to look at a few players before the final squad is selected for the all important final fixture:
The curtain will come down on the Centenary Shield campaign with live coverage on Sky Sports as the Republic of Ireland travel to Burton Albion on 30 April to take on England for an opportunity to lift the prestigious title (KO 7:40pm)
Republic of Ireland: Marty McGinty (Deele College), Brian Nolan (St Paul's CC), Jason Dwane (St: Peter's College), Tomas Boyle (Salesian College), Sean Skelly (St: Joseph's Fairview), Robbie Benson (Marist College, Athlone), Tom O'Halloran (Athlone CC), Jake Carroll (Confey CC, Leixlip), Hugh Douglas (St: Brendan's College), Stephen Chambers (St: Fintan's), Sean Brosnan (St: Patrick's SS, Castleisland):
Subs: Jack Tim Murphy (St: Peter’s, Wexford) for Brosnan and Gary Shaw (Patrician SS) for O’Halloran (both 45 mins), Adam Hanlon (Arklow CC) for Chambers (66 mins), Niall Cooney (Templeogue College) for Douglas (88 mins), Darragh Walshe (St: Kieran’s, Carlow) for Benson (90 mins):
Scotland: Andrew Murphy, Martin Bucknell, Jonathan Clarke, Richard Kirwan, Liam Mushet, Frazer Keast, Daniel Fitzpatrick, Michael Hunter, Martin Boyle, Daly McSorley, Rory Emslie:
Subs: Alan Cooke for Keast (62 mins), Kieran McGachie for Emslie (73 mins), Frank Kameni for Clarke (84 mins)
Referee: Mr: Stephen Toner (Donegal)