Irish start UEFA Regions Cup with unfortunate defeat
Credit:
Leinster & Munster 1 Jersey 2
Ireland’s UEFA Regions Cup representatives Leinster & Munster were beaten 2-1 in their opening Group 6 game of the UEFA Regions Cup by England’s representatives Jersey in San Marino today.
Goals by Jack Cannon and Jamie Savory in the 54th and 55th minute severely dented Ireland's chances of topping the group against a very workman like Jersey side.
The Irish had the two best chances of opening the scoring in the first half when Alan McCabe forced Jersey keeper Craig Fletcher into pulling off two outstanding saves. Jersey were quite content to let Gerry Smith’s side come at them and they found the defensive quartet of Hoey, Walsh, Breen and Dillon hard to penetrate.
In midfield Ray Whelehan was as industrious as ever and it was fitting that he scored an excellent goal with 10 minutes to go.
The Irish were dominant after scoring but failed to get that all important equaliser. With the Northern Ireland representatives playing hosts San Marino tonight, Smith will be praying that the remaining fixtures go his side’s way with the Irish meeting San Marino on Wednesday.
While Smith was disappointed with the result he praised the players for their effort and commitment stating that he could of not of asked for anything more of them.
LEINSTER & MUNSTER: Brendan O' Connell, Ken Hoey, James Walsh, Paul Breen, Conor Dillon, Niall Hoban, Laurence Dunne (Jimmy Carr 57), James Lee (Shane Waters 84), Ray Whelehan, Alan Mc Cabe (Barry Kavanagh 70), Lee Murtagh.
JERSEY: Craig Fletcher, Jay Reid (Aaron Parkinson 85), Christopher Andrews, Craig Russell (Joe Murphy 94), Luke Watson, James Scott, Jack Mc Kenna, Luke Campbell, Jack Cannon, Ben Callichan, Jamies Savory (Ross Crick 70).
Referee: Dimitar Meckarovski
