Ireland 2 Forest 0: Match report
A goal in either half saw those pushing for full international honours for Ireland triumph 2-0 at Dalymount Park.
But if Forest fans were looking for encouragement, those who travelled did not get it in the first half.
The Ireland ‘B’ team ensured they controlled the opening 45 minutes with Forest failing to record a shot.
Darron Gibson twice threatened, first flashing a shot wide after just 90 seconds before striking a first-time effort on the half volley over the bar after Paul Smith had punched clear.
Ireland should have scored when Caleb Folan’s flick on put Anthony Stokes the wrong side of Ian Breckin and one on one, Smith denied the Sunderland man with his legs.
On 24 minutes Ireland took the lead, a neat exchange between Wes Hoolahan and Stokes ended with Folan being slotted in behind the Reds defence and once in the box, he made no mistake as he slipped the ball beyond Smith.
Chris Cohen tried to make something happen, unlocking the hosts defence with a beautifully crafted 50-yard ball down the centre to pick out Andrew Cole but as he tried to cut in for a shot on goal, he was tackled by Darren O’Dea.
Joe Garner replaced Cole at half time, his second outing in three days as he makes his comeback after eight months out with knee ligament damage while Ireland made three changes.
Keith Andrews almost got Ireland off to a great start in the second period but his low shot went just inches wide of the far post.
When Forest finally had a chance, Lee Martin deceived the Irish defence with a free kick from the side of the box being pulled back for Cohen on the edge of the area.
But unmarked, with time, he completely miss hit his shot high over the bar into the derelict terracing behind the goal.
On 62 minutes Forest were two goals down. Andy Keogh dazzled with his quick feet running into the box before two defenders closed him down.
But the ball spilled out to Shane Long on the right of the area and he delivered a low square ball on to which Keogh ran and finished with aplomb.
With ten minutes remaining Matt Thornhill unleashed a thunderous shot, forcing a superb diving save from Keiren Westwood, the Reds best chance of the game.
But in the end they drew a blank again as Ireland proved too strong in Dublin.
IRELAND: Murphy (Westwood, 46), Foley, Ward (Garvan, 69), O’Dea (Nolan, 59), Bruce, Gibson (Rowlands, 55), Keogh (Scannell, 63), Andrews (Potter, 55), Folan (Long, 46), Stokes, Hoolahan (Treacy, 46).
FOREST: Smith, Chambers, Lynch (Heath, 71), Breckin (Wilson, 62), Perch, Byrne, Thornhill, Davies, Cohen (Newbold, 62), Martin (Reid, 71), Cole (Garner, 46). Subs:
Referee: Damien Hancock
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