The ‘B’ team representing the Republic of Ireland was held to a 1-1 draw by the hosts, Northern Ireland but, aligned to their earlier defeat of Wales, who had earlier drawn with the North, that was sufficient for them to win the section.

The match was played in glorious weather conditions at Wilgar Park, Dundela and was for the most part concentrated in the midfield area. The pitch which was quite narrow suited the hosts better as the Republic were unable to get any great width on their game. In the early stages, Jack Lyons of Crystal Palace was prominent as was the alert goalkeeper Wayne Guthrie.

The Republic took the lead on 38 minutes with an absolutely stunning goal from James Doyle who took the ball down with his right foot before flicking it to his favoured left and striking an unstoppable shot past the goalkeeper.

The North came more into the game in the second half and increased their level of possession. The Republic led by centre back and skipper Daragh Tuffy from Sligo stood firm until midway through the half when the North equalised with a well worked goal. Thereafter, both sides had half chances but neither team were able to convert those opportunities.

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The Republic of Ireland ‘A’ team defeated hosts Northern Ireland 2-1, which together with their 6-1 victory over Wales the previous day ensured maximum points in their section of the Triangular Tournament.

The opening exchanges were dominated by Northern Ireland with left winger Andy King proving a thorn in the side of the Republic’s defence and causing frequent problems. Eventually this dominance paid dividends when Thompson was allowed to come forward with the defence ‘ backing off’ until he was within range and he shot past Brian Kane, the Republic goalkeeper. Indeed the Republic could have been two down minutes later but the alert Kane raced from his goal to clear the danger.

The Republic gradually weathered the storm and on the stroke of half time, acting skipper, Conor McCormack, burst through the Northern Ireland defence and slipped the ball past the keeper for the equaliser.

The second half saw a much improved performance from the Republic and on 72 minutes, substitute Ian Daly was on the end of a passing movement to tap home the winning goal. In the final stages, Craig Duggan was unlucky not to make it three when he just missed an in swinging free kick from Gary Frewen.