Under 19's: Ireland 3 Moldova 0

Ireland were full value for their three goals win and they lost a great chance of enhancing their goals tally still further when Anthony Stokes had a penalty attempt saved by goalkeeper
Gaiduchevici in the final minute of the match.

The pity of it was that Stokes had an outstanding match and his leadership of the forward line helped set the standard for a team performance that was smooth and effective.

The quality of football produced by Ireland was marvellous for they were strong and forceful in defence, neat and accurate in their distribution from midfield and swift and persistent in attack.

There was little an ultra defensive Moldova could do to contain them. Once Jonathan Hayes opened the scoring in the 30^th minute Ireland, dominated the game and processed their game plan with accurate, compelling football.

Hayes’ opening goal was a beauty. Stokes was lucky to be left free when a Moldova defender slipped as he attempted to intercept a throw from Darren Stapleton. His slick pass sent Hayes disco-dancing his way past a couple of defenders before he clipped the ball past the goalkeeper.

The second goal came from the penalty spot in the 50^th minute. Moldova captain Casian was guilty of hand-ball and Ian Morris’ finish was emphatic.

Morris and Darron Gibson again formed an effective partnership in central midfield and they drove Ireland on for a third in the 87^th minute. The goalkeeper did well to parry a shot from Stokes but then had no defence when substitute Diarmuid O’Carroll knocked in the loose ball.

Republic of Ireland; Randolph (Charlton Athletic); S. Kelly (Arsenal), Nolan (Blackburn Rovers), O'Dea (Celtic), Stapleton (Reading); J. P. Kelly (Bohemians), Gibson (Manchester Utd), Morris (Leeds Utd), Hayes (Reading); Stokes (Arsenal), Clarke (Ipswich Town). Subs: Chambers (Shelbourne) for Hayes 65; O'Brien (Celtic) for Clarke 70; O'Carroll (Celtic) for Morris 82.