SWEDEN completed a Scandinavian double at Windsor Park last night. The second Nordic visitors to Belfast in a month proved too strong for a young inexperienced and largely experimental Northern Ireland team.

The Irish had lost 2-0 to Norway four weeks earlier and were forced. to field several of their fringe squads members. They battled hard and. showed flashes of skill but were never a serious match for the powerful Swedes.

Sweden had forceful and positive front players in their goal scorers, the superb Martin Dahlin and Elas Ingesson. It was the brilliant Dahlin who shot Sweden into the lead in the 22nd minute after a vintage attacking build up.

Defender Patrik Andersson threaded the ball through on the right and when Jonas Thern swept it diagonally into the box, Dahlia flicked home with his heel.

A superb burst through the middle by Ingesson gave Sweden their second goal in the 58th minute. His finishing shot was clinical and accurate. Dahlin then turned at least three Irish defenders in the box with a dazzling piece of skill but could not get a shot on goal.

Northern Ireland, in the middle of a three match build up, had only one real chance, a shot from Steve Lomas which goalkeeper Bengt Andersson smothered comfortably.

There were some plus points for Northern Ireland manager, Bryan Hamilton, notably a lively performance from Spurs reserve, Gerard McMahon, playing in an unaccustomed striking role.

McMahon headed the Irish goal in the 84th minute, out jumping the Swedish defence to reach a free kick from Lomas.