Paid price for wastefulness

KENNY AND IRISH LEFT TO RUE MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

STEPHEN KENNY was left wondering what might have been after seeing Ireland blow a lead in a game they didn’t deserve to lose - but didn’t deserve to win.

The price of defeat is that Ireland are facing a relegation battle against Armenia on Tuesday where defeat at home would consign Kenny’s team to League C.

Back in October, before the draw for this competition was even made, Kenny targeted winning the group.

He rowed back once the opposition was known, but still refused to rule out top spot. Now they are a distant third and could fall further.

But despite the mixed bag here at Hampden, aspects of the performance still point to better times ahead even if Ireland took another step backwards.

Kenny said: “Ukraine and Scotland are very strong and it’s a tough group. We would

have wanted more points than we have, I’m not denying that, but now is not the time.

“In the first-half we showed real maturity and I felt we had a high degree of control and scored a good goal that was disallowed.

“John Egan got the goal and we were comfortable in possession. We didn’t concede too many chances and the team played very well

“But it’s very disappointing to concede five minutes into the second-half half as we started well.

“But with Scotland’s goal, the crowd got up in a major way and Scotland went into the ascendancy with good play in midfield.

Kenny added: “It’s a tough game to lose. The disappointment is evident but we can’t afford to dwell on it.”

At a raucous Hampden Park, Ireland were stepping into the lion’s den but – initially at least – they refused to be bullied and brought the fight to Scotland on their own patch. They were tough and tenacious – a little too much so in the eyes of some Scottish supporters – and skated a fine line.

Josh Cullen, in particular, can count himself fortunate not to have pocketed two yellow cards in the dying stages of a lively opening half.

But the one he did get means he is suspended for Tuesday’s clash with Armenia in Dublin.

Their passionate approach aside, what stood to Ireland most in that opening half was their organisation as Scotland found it difficult to break down Kenny’s side.

And the cushion of their early goal certainly helped the cause and left Steve Clark’s men tremendously frustrated – until they summoned a second-half revival when Ireland unravelled.

But from James Mcclean’s corner, Jayson Molumby did well to win the second ball and Nathan Collins got a touch before Egan’s delightful turn and arrowed finish.

But that good work was undone five minutes into the second-half when Ireland’s in-your-face approach deserted them.

Matt Doherty’s attempt to close down Ryan Christie was beyond feeble and the cross was headed home – beyond an outstretched Gavin Bazunu – by Jack Hendry.

“That goal was a factor (in the game turning),” said Kenny. “Scotland showed their quality in midfield and we weren’t as cohesive as we were in the first-half.

“We found it difficult to break their press and didn’t capitalise on 2 v 2 situations as we would have wanted to.”

Or, 1 v 1, for that matter because Ireland should have been ahead again six minutes after Hendry’s goal. But Troy Parrott – who had an early goal ruled out for offside – botched his attempt when through on the goalkeeper.

Kenny continued: “We had a lot of very good play and it’s down to margins because we didn’t take our chances when we should have.

“But we responded and wanted to capitalise on good chances but couldn’t do that. The penalty was contentious and very harsh.”

In a crowded box, Alan Browne handled but Kenny said: “He’s been pushed by a Scottish player that resulted in him raising his hands in an unnatural position.

“Look, we’re honest in our discussions. We’re disappointed to lose. The disappointment is evident but we can’t dwell on it as we have a quick turnaround.”