Ireland overcome Northern neighbours
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Article summary
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Northern Ireland English-based pair Anthony Stokes and Stephen Gleeson score.
Article body
Stokes scores
Arsenal FC striker Anthony Stokes made the most of a long ball from goalkeeper Stephen Henderson to put Sean McCaffrey's side ahead on the stroke of half-time in a game where both sides boasted a number of players based in England.
Gleeson clincher
Stephen Gleeson doubled the lead 17 minutes into the second half on the counterattack and although Johnny Evans pulled one back for Northern Ireland in the final seconds, there was no time for the 2003/04 final tournament qualifiers to equalise.
Monday matches
Kenny Shiels' defeated team now face a tough meeting with England in Wolverhampton on Monday, but despite the loss, the Northern Irish coach said: "I was pleased with the type of football that we played, it is great development for the young players." The side the hosts defeated 3-1 today, Serbia and Montenegro, are the Republic's next opposition in Hinckley as the quartet chase the one place on offer in Italy in early May.
