http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Scotland-c756 vs. Northern Ireland, international friendly
Scotland took on http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Northern-Ireland-c2972 in what was set to be both the teams first ever match in the Carling Nations Cup.
Going into the game, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Darren-Fletcher-c10361 was out of action due to an injury that he had picked up.
On the other hand, Scotland had to also make a last minute switch, as James McArthur, was brought on to replace http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Scott-Brown-c32660, who injured himself just moments before kick-off.
The match kicked off, with Scotland looking to dominate the proceedings on the night. As a result of this early domination, it wasn't long before Scotland picked up the opening goal on the night.
In the 17th minute Charlie Adam whipped in one of his signature corners, which was flicked on by Bardsley. The ball then managed to find its way to Miller, who had the simplest of tasks of poking the ball into the back of the net.
However, the home-side didn't seem all that content with the opening goal as they pushed forth even harder after opening the dead-lock on the night.
In the 29th minute, Scotland took the two goal lead. James McArthur latched onto a pass and then went on to calmly loft the ball over the Irish keepers head and into the back of the net.
The first half eventually came to a close with Scotland rearing to go in the second forty-five, while Ireland were hoping that the game would be over already.
The second-half picked up in almost the same manner as the first, with Scotland taking the game to Ireland, who just didn't seem to have any answer for the Scottish attacks.
In the 52nd minute, Scotland managed to find the back of the net for the third time on the night. After Naismith did brilliantly to control the ball, he teed up Kris Commons, who then went on to slot the ball calmly between the Irish keeper’s
legs.
As the match progressed, Scotland went on to create a number of opportunities on the Irish goal, while the visitors seemed to be in the game, to just try and absorb all the attack from the Scots.
Nonetheless, the match eventually ended with Scotland seeing out the game with some ease and after the ninety-minutes, the final score-line read three goals to nil, in favour of Scotland.
The line-ups for the match were as follows:
Scotland team: McGregor: Hutton, S. Caldwell, Berra, Bardsley; Morrison, Adam, Commons, McArthur, Naismith, Miller
Northern Ireland: Tuffey, McArdle, Baird, McAuley, Craigan, Evans, McCourt, Davis, Patterson, McCann, McGinn
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