THE National League First Division were no match for a much stronger England side as they lost 4-0 in a semi-professional international at Kidderminster last night.
It was a baptism of fire for the Irish, playing at this level for the first time, against an experienced, stronger and better organised English selection, primarily made up of players from the Vauxhall Conference League.
England stamped their authority on the game from the start, took the lead after six minutes and ran up a 3-0 scoreline to end the match as a contest by half time.
Power house striker Karl Alford headed England in front from a corner after six minutes.
Jonathan Speake had a half chance for Ireland on 19 minutes following a Robbie Coyle free kick before England extended their lead six minutes later. David Venables, broke down the right to cross for Barry Hayles to head past an overworked Pat Trehy in the Irish goal.
Stephen McGuinness then deflected an Alford cross into his own net four minutes before the break.
Irish manager Pat Devlin made changes at half-time and Ireland steadied things up a little throughout the second half. Substitute goalkeeper Michael Devine did, however, have to make several good stops to keep England out before they eventually got a fourth goal three minutes from the end when Gavin Teehan also suffered the ignominy of putting through his own goal.
Ajax will chase a rare treble when they take on Real Zaragoza in the second leg of the European Super Cup tonight. Ajax already hold the European Cup and the World Club Championship. They drew 1-1 in Spain in the firs leg.
