THREE FIRST INTERNATIONAL goals ensured Ireland were 3-1 winners in their international friendly against New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium this evening.
While Mick McCarthy’s side dominated proceedings from the get-go, the All Whites — playing their first match in 525 days, and under new management — surprisingly broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark.
But terrific headers from Derrick Williams and Callum Robinson, and a cracker in between the two courtesy of Sean Maguire, put Ireland into a 3-1 lead by 75 minutes.
Republic of Ireland v New Zealand: GOAL Callum McCowatt gives the visitors the lead against the run of play in the 30th minute. pic.twitter.com/m5XPHXzLtN
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 14, 2019
It was Callum McCowatt who gave the visitors the lead against the run of play in the 30th minute, but Blackburn defender Williams stepped for his first Ireland goal in his third appearance with a powerful header to bring the Boys In Green level heading into the break.
Republic of Ireland v New Zealand: GOAL Derrick Williams makes it 1-1 with his powerful header in the final minute of the first half. #IRENZL pic.twitter.com/JpUbNnT51U
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 14, 2019
Maguire followed suit with his maiden international offering with 51 minutes on the clock, producing a stunning finish from just outside the box to make it 2-1.
The Preston man has of course scored at the Aviva Stadium before — Cork City fans will fondly remember his 2016 FAI Cup final winner at the same end of the Lansdowne Road venue.
Republic of Ireland v New Zealand: Sean Maguire give Ireland the lead with a superb strike. #IRENZL pic.twitter.com/AYvFfn3xVP
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 14, 2019
And his former Preston team-mate, and now Sheffield United star, Robinson made it three in the 75th minute.
After brilliant work from Celtic’s Lee O’Connor down the left, Robinson got the end of his cross and grabbed his first Ireland goal through a header.
Republic of Ireland v New Zealand: GOAL Callum Robinson grabs his first Ireland with a header to make it 3-1 to Ireland. #IRENZL pic.twitter.com/dOjs0QqdHI
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 14, 2019
All focus now switches to the all-important Denmark qualifier on Monday.
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