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Date Time League Season
3 June 2021 5:00 pm Men's Senior 2020/21

Match Report

First win for Republic of Ireland under Kenny

The Republic of Ireland MNT claimed a 4-1 win over Andorra to give Stephen Kenny his first win as Ireland manager this evening.

After falling behind to a goal from Valez after 52 minutes, the visitors were able to wrestle control of the game thanks to a sublime, quickfire brace from Troy Parrott, before late Jason Knight and Darryl Horgan goals sealed the victory.

The opening period was largely dull, with the best chance falling to James Collins, who got on the end of a cross, but somehow couldn’t direct his glancing header on target from six yards.

Ireland were rocked when Valez found himself in acres of space to nod home a free-kick after 52 minutes. 

That goal appeared to shock Ireland into life, and less than six minutes later they were level. Man of the match Troy Parrot picked the ball up in space 40 yards from goals, and made a surging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

Seconds after the restart, Troy almost went from scorer to provider as he left the ball on a plate for Ronan Curtis to score, but he could only blast it wide from close range. 

If Curtis was worried that his miss might cost Ireland the win, his fears were allayed less than three minutes later, when Parrot jumped highest to head in a cross from Hourihane, doubling his and Ireland’s tally.

The pace of the game died down considerably thereafter as the hosts grew tired and both sides emptied their benches.

However as Andorra flattened, more chances began to appear and Ireland took full advantage.  Darryl Horgan whipped in an inviting cross which Jason Knight turned home to put the result beyond doubt seven minutes from time. As injury-time beckoned, the pair switched roles as Knight’s cross found Horgan, who finished for his first international goal. 

There were some positive notes from an Ireland point of view, such as good displays from Parrot but getting a win was the main objective. Ireland will hope this victory boosts their confidence and they can build on this win from here.

Ireland
1Gavin Bazunu Goalkeeper
2Matt Doherty Defender
5John Egan Defender
6Josh Cullen Midfielder
7Ronan Curtis 15 Midfielder
8Conor Hourihane 12 Midfielder
10Troy Parrott 18 Forward 58', 61'
11James McClean 3 Midfielder
14Jason Knight Midfielder 83'
19James Collins 9 Forward
20Dara O’Shea 4 Defender
16Caoimhin Kelleher Goalkeeper
23Mark Travers Goalkeeper
3Ryan Manning 11 Defender
4Shane Duffy 20 Defender
9Adam Idah 19 Forward
12Harry Arter 8 Midfielder
15Daryl Horgan 7 Midfielder 90'
17Jayson Molumby Midfielder
18Jamie McGrath 10 Midfielder
21Daniel Mandriou Midfielder
22Chiedozie Ogbene Forward
24Lee O’Connor Defender

Timeline

10. Troy Parrott 58' 
10. Troy Parrott 61' 
James Collins
Adam Idah		66' 
Ronan Curtis
Daryl Horgan		66' 
Troy Parrott
Jamie McGrath		82' 
17. Jason Knight 83' 
James McClean
Ryan Manning		86' 
Dara O'Shea
Shane Duffy		86' 
Conor Hourihane
Harry Arter		87' 
7. Daryl Horgan 90' 
  • 90'

    Darryl Horgan finishes a great cross from Knight. Ireland 4 Andorra 1

  • 83'

    Goal for Ireland, Jason Knight runs across the face of the goal to poke home Darryl Horgan's cross. It's the Derby man's first goal for Ireland.

  • 83'

    Jamie McGrath comes off the bench to replace Troy Parrott. McGrath is only the second player from Meath to play for Ireland.

  • 79'

    The game has died down considerably as Ireland press and probe looking for an opening.

  • 65'

    Darryl Horgan and Adam Idah come on to replace James Collins and Ronan Curtis

  • 62'

    Troy Parrott doubles his tally. He climbs highest to power a header past the keeper. That's more like it

  • 59'

    Almost immediately Ireland spurn a chance to take the lead. Troy Parrot puts it on a plate for Curtis but he snatches at it and puts it wide.

  • 58'

    Ireland are level! Troy Parrot picks the ball up 40 yards from goal and drives at the home defence before burying it into the bottom left hand corner

  • 54'

    Corner to the hosts here after Egan blocks a shot.

  • 52'

    A free-kick from 35 yards out is well struck and Valez runs onto nod a free header past the stranded Bazunu.

  • 52'

    Goal for Andorra!

  • 48'

    An Andorran defender bundles Troy Parrot onto the ground inside the area. The youngster waves his arms looking for a penalty but the referee waves it away.

  • 46'

    The hosts get us back underway as the second half begins.

  • 46'

    It comes to nothing. The referee blows the halftime whistle to end a largely forgettable half of football.

  • 46'

    Corner for Ireland in what surely be the last act of the first half

  • 37'

    Ireland beginning to move the ball around a bit better, but a superb cross from Doherty but Collins can't get enough on it to direct it goalwards.

  • 33'

    Another free kick from Hourihane, but this time the keeper punches it clear and Curtis volleys it over.

  • 32'

    Free kick for Ireland after a foul on Doherty, but Hourihane's free-kick is too deep

  • 22'

    A slow game so far, with no purpose or clarity to their play

  • 11'

    O'Shea rises the highest but catches it too well and it spins over the bar.

  • 10'

    Hourihane standing over a free kick 30 yards from goal

  • 8'

    Mc Clean over hits a cross which Troy Parrot picks up at the back post, but his volley is blocked.

  • 7'

    Long ball played over the top for Collins to run onto but he's just offside.

  • 1'

    An early chance for Ronan Curtis but it's cleared.

  • Hello and welcome to Final Whistle.ie's coverage of Ireland and Andorra

Ground

Estadi Comunal - Andorra la Vella
Estadi Comunal d\'Andorra la Vella, Carrer Prada Motxilla, Centre històric, Andorra la Vella, AD500, Andorra