FAI: REPORT | Gibraltar 0-4 Ireland - Convincing win in Faro

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First-half goals from Evan Ferguson and Mikey Johnston were complimented by second-half strikes by Matt Doherty and Callum Robinson to seal the victory.*
Stephen Kenny made three changes from the side that was defeated by Greece last Friday with Mikey Johnston, Jamie McGrath, and Ryan Manning coming into the starting line-up.
Ireland took the lead inside the opening ten minutes when an excellent through ball from Chiedozie Ogbene to Matt Doherty was across to Evan Ferguson who guided it past Coleing to score his third senior goal. Shane Duffy almost added a second when he rose highest from a free kick but Coleing was brave to collect the ball while under pressure from the Irish defender.*
The home side had a sight on goal with a free kick from Liam Walker to the back post that was easily collected by Gavin Bazunu. Ireland went close to a second when a corner sent in by Ronan Manning saw Jamie McGrath flick it to the back post with Duffy striking the side netting. Mikey Johnston forced an excellent save from Coleing after he cut inside onto his left and struck from distance which the Gibraltar goalkeep did well to palm away.*
Ireland did add a second as Ogbene and Doherty combined once more to send the ball to Johnston who guided it home from close range. Ireland almost added another following some great play from Jason Knight and McGrath finding Ferguson at the near post but his attempt was blocked down by Annesley.
*Just on half time, McGrath sent an excellent ball to Johnston at the back post but his effort was deflected wide for a corner in Ireland's last attack.
Knight had the first shot on target in the second half after Coleing’s initial punched clearance found the Ireland midfielder who forced the Gibraltar keeper to push it wide for a corner and from that set piece Duffy’s low volley just went wide of the near post. Knight went close to scoring once more when Johnston’s cross to the back post was met by Knight but the midfielder saw his diving header go just wide.*
Ireland did add a third. A corner from Manning was flicked on brilliantly by McGrath to Doherty who headed past Coleing from close range. Callum Robinson had a sight on goal with his first touches of the contest forcing Coleing into a save from the edge of the area.*
McGrath went close to adding to the score after Jayson Molumby broke into the area with the ball falling to McGrath who had two strikes on goal the second of which struck the side netting. Ireland was to add a fourth goal following another excellent cross from McGrath that met Callum Robinson where he headed it past Coleing with pace.*
Ireland will face the Netherlands in their final qualification match in Amsterdam in November.
Gibraltar: Coleing (GK), Sergeant, Annesley, Pozo (Coombes 67), Walker, Olivero (Casciaro 68), Chipolina © (De Haro 82), Mouelhi, Ronan (Chipolina 82), De Barr (El Hmidi 68), Britto.
Subs not used: Banda (GK), Lopez (GK), Jolley, Ruiz, K. Chipolina, Hernandez, Peacock.
Republic of Ireland: Bazunu, Doherty, Manning, Duffy ©, Cullen (Molumby 73), Ferguson (Idah 65), Scales (O'Shea 73), Knight, McGrath, Johnston (Robinson 65), Ogbene (Sykes 83).
Subs not used: Travers (GK), O'Leary (GK), Browne, Smallbone, Omobamidele, Ebosele, Collins.
Referee: Christian-Petru Ciochirca (Austria)
Booked: McGrath, Sergeant, Doherty, Annesley
Player of the Match: Mikey Johnston*



Ireland Category:
Senior Men


Choose Site:
Ireland


Match Preview / Report:
Match Report


Introduction:
The Republic of Ireland defeated Gibraltar in Faro, Portugal with a 4-0 win in *the penultimate qualification match for EURO 2024.




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