- Andrew Dempsey
- Tue, Nov 21 2023
Andrew Dempsey reports from the Aviva Stadium
Ireland laboured to a dismal 1-1 draw against New Zealand as the curtain came down on James McClean’s international career.
And the game might also prove to be Stephen Kenny’s last as manager with his contract set to expire next week.
The Boys in Green took a first-half lead through Adam Idah - and for a time it looked as if Ireland could push on from that.
But the All Whites reacted well to going behind before levelling in the second half through Matt Garbett.
Coming into the game after a dispiriting loss against the Netherlands on Saturday night, Ireland boss Stephen Kenny rang the changes from the reversal in Amsterdam.
Shane Duffy captained the side, with Caoimhin Kelleher, Mark Sykes and Andrew Omobamidele getting a run-out from the start.
But like the 26,517 crowd coming into the Dublin 4 venue, Ireland were slow to start.
Celtic winger Mikey Johnston was their creator in chief although, and ought to have scored early on when he raced in goal.
But instead of staying on Michael Boxall’s outside, he cut inwards before seeing his effort on goal blocked down.
The departing McClean then went close soon after - but his effort was also blocked by All Whites defender Boxall.
At that point, the Boys in Green were controlling the play without looking especially threatening in a turgid enough opening period.
And Matt Doherty epitomised their struggle in an attacking sense when he side-footed wide after he was found free inside the penalty area from a low Jason Knight cross.
Knight was next to threaten New Zealand keeper Max Crocombe - but his header did not have enough power on it to threaten the visitors defensive rear-guard.
But the goal eventually arrived for Kenny’s under-fire troops on the half hour mark.
Bristol City midfielder Mark Sykes did well to dispossess Sligo Rovers defender Nando Pijnaker before playing in Idah with a feint touch.
And the Norwich City striker calmly netted with a composed finish past Crocombe.
New Zealand had to wait until the 35th minute for their first effort on goal of the game, but when it came it sparked a mini-revival from them.
Darren Bazeley’s side had their first through Marko Stamenic, but his effort was blocked wide by Chris Wood.
Kelleher was then forced into action with an impromptu save to deny Sarpreet Singh by tipping his cross-come-shot just wide with an outstretched hand.
Singh went close again on the stroke of half-time but could only see his effort hit the side-netting just moments after Omobamidele headed wide from a Johnston free-kick.
Still on a high from an encouraging end to the opening half, the All Whites went close again just minutes into the second period.
Rather than testing Ireland substitute goalkeeper Mark Travers, Matt Garbett directed his effort over the bar with a deft touch within just four minutes of the restart.
But Garbett did not have to wait long to score as he cracked a low shot into the back of the net after some hesitant defending from Shane Duffy on the edge of the box.
And it was a goal that was more than deserved as the 103rd-ranked side dominated the play for vast swathes of the second half.
Singh kept the pressure on with a good effort that Travers had to save soon after Sykes had an effort on goal that just went over the bar.
Moments after, McClean was taken off for the last time in his international career to a rapturous applause.
But even that could not inspire Ireland to a strong finish.
New Zealand had the better chances and could have nicked a winner on more than a few occasions.
Ex-Sligo Rovers attacker Max Mata was even denied by a last-ditch tackle from Omobamidele.
The Boys in Green however had chances themselves, with Evan Ferguson perhaps having the best of which when his curling effort was just tipped wide by Crocombe.
But this was a game Ireland did not deserve to win - and they could have easily lost it on another night.
Republic of Ireland:Caoimhín Kelleher(Mark Travers 46); Matt Doherty (Alan Browne 73), Shane Duffy, James McClean (Ryan Manning 66), Andrew Omobamidele; Michael Johnston (Andrew Moran 78), Jason Knight (Joshua Cullen 54), Jamie McGrath, Jayson Molumby, Mark Sykes; Adam Idah (Evan Ferguson 66).
Subs not used:Gavin Bazunu, Liam Scales, Dara O'Shea, Callum Robinson, Troy Parrott.
New Zealand:Max Crocombe; Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Tim Payne (Tyler Bidon 89), Nando Zen Pijnaker; Joe Bell, Matt Garbett (Clayton Lewis 82), Callum McCowett (Elijah Just 77), Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenic; Chris Wood (Max Mata 60).
Subs not used:Michael Woud, Alex Paulsen, Dalton Wilkins, Finn Surman, Tommy Smith, Joe Champness, Ben Waine, Alex Grieve.
Referee:Urs Schneyder (Switzerland).
Attendance:26,517.
extratime.com Player of the Match: Sarpreet Singh (New Zealand).
