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19/08/2004
NI earn deserved draw against Swiss
Northern Ireland football team continued their resurgence under manager Lawrie Sanchez last night with a 0-0 draw against Switzerland in Zurich.
The Swiss, who are 65 places higher in the world rankings than their Irish opponents, looked the more dangerous in the opening 45 minutes with Johan Vonlanthen spurning two great chances.
In the second half however Northern Ireland began to assert themselves with David Healy, Stuart Elliott and Gary Hamilton all coming close, while goalkeeper Roy Carroll produced some fine saves as the Swiss continued to create chances.
In the end though, a draw was probably a fair result for Sanchez's men who have now gone six matches without a loss, a record which has not been seen since the heyday of the mid 1980's under Billy Bingham.
Turning his attention to next month's opening World Cup qualifying game against Poland in Belfast, Sanchez said: "When I took over they had gone 13 games without a goal and 14 games without a win, but the mood has since changed in the dressing room.
"Having played like we did in the second half, I'm not going to say we'll finish top of the group, but I'm confident we can give people a game. Bring on Poland."
(MB)
The Swiss, who are 65 places higher in the world rankings than their Irish opponents, looked the more dangerous in the opening 45 minutes with Johan Vonlanthen spurning two great chances.
In the second half however Northern Ireland began to assert themselves with David Healy, Stuart Elliott and Gary Hamilton all coming close, while goalkeeper Roy Carroll produced some fine saves as the Swiss continued to create chances.
In the end though, a draw was probably a fair result for Sanchez's men who have now gone six matches without a loss, a record which has not been seen since the heyday of the mid 1980's under Billy Bingham.
Turning his attention to next month's opening World Cup qualifying game against Poland in Belfast, Sanchez said: "When I took over they had gone 13 games without a goal and 14 games without a win, but the mood has since changed in the dressing room.
"Having played like we did in the second half, I'm not going to say we'll finish top of the group, but I'm confident we can give people a game. Bring on Poland."
(MB)
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Glens prepare to Finnish opponents off
Glentoran were taking part in their first light training session before Wednesday night's important return leg Champions League fixture against HJK Helsinki in Finland. The Irish League champions need only a score draw to progress through to the next round of the competition, the first local side to do so since Linfield in 1993.
Glens prepare to Finnish opponents off
Glentoran were taking part in their first light training session before Wednesday night's important return leg Champions League fixture against HJK Helsinki in Finland. The Irish League champions need only a score draw to progress through to the next round of the competition, the first local side to do so since Linfield in 1993.
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NI struggle in 1-1 Malta draw
Northern Ireland where booed off the pitch by their own supporters last night following a humiliating 1-1 draw with Malta in Valetta. Lawrie Sanchez’s team, which comprised four Premiership players, failed to show any character or motivation against a team 25 places lower in the World rankings and containing only one full time player.
NI struggle in 1-1 Malta draw
Northern Ireland where booed off the pitch by their own supporters last night following a humiliating 1-1 draw with Malta in Valetta. Lawrie Sanchez’s team, which comprised four Premiership players, failed to show any character or motivation against a team 25 places lower in the World rankings and containing only one full time player.
31 August 2005
Cardiff duo sent home following 'breach of discipline'
Cardiff City midfield pair Jeff Whitley and Phil Mulryne have been sent home following "a breach of discipline" during the build up to this weekend's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan at Windsor Park.
Cardiff duo sent home following 'breach of discipline'
Cardiff City midfield pair Jeff Whitley and Phil Mulryne have been sent home following "a breach of discipline" during the build up to this weekend's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan at Windsor Park.
11 October 2004
Healy boost for NI ahead of Austria game
Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez looks set to recall striker David Healy to his 11-man line up for this Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Austria at Windsor Park. The Preston North End hitman missed Saturday’s 0-0 with Azerbaijan because of suspension following his sending off against Wales in Cardiff last month.
Healy boost for NI ahead of Austria game
Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez looks set to recall striker David Healy to his 11-man line up for this Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Austria at Windsor Park. The Preston North End hitman missed Saturday’s 0-0 with Azerbaijan because of suspension following his sending off against Wales in Cardiff last month.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
