Republic at mdl this morning

As part of their preparations for next month's World Cup in England, the Republic of Ireland's Paralympic side invited Johnstown to provide the opposition for this warm up friendly on Sunday morning at the MDL, Navan where the sides shared four goals.

The Republic of Ireland squad featured many of the squad who finished fourth in last year's European Championships which were played in Portugal last summer.

The high levels of organisation and positional nous were indicative of a side who have played together at the highest level for a number of years.

Both sides were very comfortable on the ball and were happy to allow each other knock it about at the back before pressing as the ball advanced further forward.

It was during one of these spells of possession that the first real chance came about.

As Ireland knocked it about at the back, a slack ball allowed Arnold Ruksenas to intercept. He took a couple of strides forward before drilling the ball home giving Johnstown the lead.

Almost immediately, Ireland were back on level terms. Gary Messet, playing in the centre of midfield, took to the left wing before playing a neatly threaded ball into the feet of Ryan Nolan, who beat keeper Evitas Kairys at his near post.

There was still time before the break for Johnstown to open up the Irish defence once again.

A wonderful combination between Ruksenas and Shane Conroy led to a great chance for Lee Fahy who saw his shot miraculously cleared from the line, keeping the score at 1-1 going into the break.

Late in the game Johnstown finally got their noses in front once again when Justin Flynn picked up possession in midfield and went on a mazy run before slipping the ball accross to the unmarked Dave Grumley. One touch was enough on this occasion as he put his perfectly placed shot in off the near post.

Ireland struck back within two minutes and again it was Ryan Nolan providing the finish as he rounded Kairys in the Johnstown net before knocking in the equaliser.

Ireland will kick-off their campaign on Tuesday 16th June with their opening Group B tie against Russia. Also in the group are Australia and Portugal. Should Ireland finish in the top eight in the 16-team tournament they will be guaranteed qualification for next year's Paralympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

All at Johnstown FC would like to wish the Republic of Ireland all the very best of luck in the world championships.

Come on you boys in green!!

Johnstown FC Team: E. Kairys, D. McQuillan, M. Grumley, S. Conroy, J. Flynn, L. Fahy, A. Ruksenas. Subs: W. Cahill, M. James, D. Grumley, J. Connolly.

THANKS TO JULIAN LEE FOR THE INFO