Menu
12/06/2003
N. Ireland's footballing matadors tame Spanish bull
Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy was full of praise today for his "young lions" following last night's remarkable 0-0 draw with footballing giants Spain in Belfast.
McIlroy's team, made up of premiership, lower division and part-time players, gave the likes of Raul and Morientes the fright of their lives in what many supporters are calling the best Northern Ireland performance in years.
Close to 12,000 fans turned Windsor Park into a fortress of noise as Sammy's men harassed and cajoled their Spanish counterparts with tight defending, aggressive tackles and some swift counter attacks.
In fact Northern Ireland had the best chance of the game when striker David Healy went one-on-one with goalkeeper Casillas but his shot was brilliantly saved.
Spain themselves had numerous chances to score but some fine saves from an outstanding Maik Taylor in goals, and a little bit of luck, gave Northern Ireland a moral victory they most certainly deserved.
Boss McIlroy, who had his name chanted by fans throughout the game, was full of praise for his team.
He said: "The effort, commitment and passion was as good as I have ever seen it either as a player of manager.
''I thought that Maik Taylor had a stormer. When you are put under the cosh you need a goalkeeper who can make vital stops.
"My back four were also outstanding. I have said I want George McCartney and Aaron Hughes to be my pairing in the centre and they can play at this level for a at least another 10 years."
McIlroy was also pleased at the performance of Glentoran's Andy Smith, playing in only his second match for his country.
He added: ''Andy's fitness for an Irish league player is quite unbelievable. He has courage and endeavour and I'm sure clubs will be queuing up to sign him if they're watching this type of match."
While many journalists reminded Sammy of the fact that Northern Ireland have now gone 972 minutes without a goal, it won't have bothered him. His side rattled the Spanish bull with a performance that is sure to spur them on in their next matches against Ukraine and Armenia in September.
(MB)
McIlroy's team, made up of premiership, lower division and part-time players, gave the likes of Raul and Morientes the fright of their lives in what many supporters are calling the best Northern Ireland performance in years.
Close to 12,000 fans turned Windsor Park into a fortress of noise as Sammy's men harassed and cajoled their Spanish counterparts with tight defending, aggressive tackles and some swift counter attacks.
In fact Northern Ireland had the best chance of the game when striker David Healy went one-on-one with goalkeeper Casillas but his shot was brilliantly saved.
Spain themselves had numerous chances to score but some fine saves from an outstanding Maik Taylor in goals, and a little bit of luck, gave Northern Ireland a moral victory they most certainly deserved.
Boss McIlroy, who had his name chanted by fans throughout the game, was full of praise for his team.
He said: "The effort, commitment and passion was as good as I have ever seen it either as a player of manager.
''I thought that Maik Taylor had a stormer. When you are put under the cosh you need a goalkeeper who can make vital stops.
"My back four were also outstanding. I have said I want George McCartney and Aaron Hughes to be my pairing in the centre and they can play at this level for a at least another 10 years."
McIlroy was also pleased at the performance of Glentoran's Andy Smith, playing in only his second match for his country.
He added: ''Andy's fitness for an Irish league player is quite unbelievable. He has courage and endeavour and I'm sure clubs will be queuing up to sign him if they're watching this type of match."
While many journalists reminded Sammy of the fact that Northern Ireland have now gone 972 minutes without a goal, it won't have bothered him. His side rattled the Spanish bull with a performance that is sure to spur them on in their next matches against Ukraine and Armenia in September.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 April 2003
McIlroy's job in question following Greek defeat
Sammy McIlroy's job as Northern Ireland manager was in doubt today following last night's 2-0 defeat by Greece in Belfast. Although Sammy's team had two men sent off thanks to what the crowd considered to be some dubious refereeing decisions, it is now 792 playing minutes since Northern Ireland scored a goal and 17 months since the side won.
McIlroy's job in question following Greek defeat
Sammy McIlroy's job as Northern Ireland manager was in doubt today following last night's 2-0 defeat by Greece in Belfast. Although Sammy's team had two men sent off thanks to what the crowd considered to be some dubious refereeing decisions, it is now 792 playing minutes since Northern Ireland scored a goal and 17 months since the side won.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
11 September 2003
NI goal drought continues
Northern Ireland football was brought back down to earth last night after the national side lost 1-0 to Armenia at Windsor Park. Following positive 0-0 draws with Spain and Ukraine in their last two competitive games, Northern Ireland again failed to find the net in what turned out to be a miserable night for Sammy McIlroy's goal-shy side.
NI goal drought continues
Northern Ireland football was brought back down to earth last night after the national side lost 1-0 to Armenia at Windsor Park. Following positive 0-0 draws with Spain and Ukraine in their last two competitive games, Northern Ireland again failed to find the net in what turned out to be a miserable night for Sammy McIlroy's goal-shy side.
10 September 2003
Kennedy out of Armenia game
Sammy McIlroy will be without defender Peter Kennedy for tonight's visit of Armenia to Windsor Park after the Wigan full-back came down with a stomach bug. Kennedy is likely to be replaced by up and coming star Grant McCann of Cheltenham. McCann should know all about the Armenian's having played in 1-0 defeat away in Yerevan in March.
Kennedy out of Armenia game
Sammy McIlroy will be without defender Peter Kennedy for tonight's visit of Armenia to Windsor Park after the Wigan full-back came down with a stomach bug. Kennedy is likely to be replaced by up and coming star Grant McCann of Cheltenham. McCann should know all about the Armenian's having played in 1-0 defeat away in Yerevan in March.
05 September 2003
NI confident of scoring elusive goal
Northern Ireland go into Saturday evening's Euro 2004 fixture against Ukraine confident that they can at last score that elusive goal which has eluded them for 972 minutes of competitive football. Sammy McIlroy's men last hit the back of the net in February 2002 with a goal by Steve Lomas.
NI confident of scoring elusive goal
Northern Ireland go into Saturday evening's Euro 2004 fixture against Ukraine confident that they can at last score that elusive goal which has eluded them for 972 minutes of competitive football. Sammy McIlroy's men last hit the back of the net in February 2002 with a goal by Steve Lomas.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly dry south and east, patchy light rain west and north through much of the day. A band of heavier rain crosses central and northern parts in the morning Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most, turning to clear spells and a few showers towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
