Euro 2012 qualifying Group B wrap: Three-way tie at the top

The Republic of Ireland snared a share of the lead in Euro 2012 qualifying Group B after defeating Macedonia 2-1 in Dublin on Saturday.

Goals inside the first 25 minutes from Aiden McGeady and Robbie Keane had Ireland cruising but Ivan Trickovski’s strike on the stroke of half-time gave the visitors hope.But for all of Macedonia’s late pressure, Ireland held on to claim all three points in an unconvincing performance. Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni handed debuts to goalkeeper Kieran Westwood, Kevin Foley and Darren O’Dea and his new-look side claimed the lead inside the first two minutes.McGeady, now plying his trade with Spartak Moscow, cut inside nicely before firing low at Edin Nuredoniski, who could only help the ball into the back of the net.It was a poor mistake from the goalkeeper and Ireland took full advantage of his shaky nerves after 21 minutes when Darron Gibson fired his free-kick straight at the shot-stopper.Nuredoniski fumbled the shot and Keane was at his instinctive best, reacting fastest before producing an easy finish.Kevin Doyle had to be replaced due to a knee injury but Ireland were well on top and should have extended their lead when Doyle’s replacement, Shane Long, missed a one-on-one with Nuredoniski.Macedonia produced a fight-back, with Trickovski scoring after he made a mockery of Richard Dunne’s defensive work and produced a neat finish to beat Westwood.The goal gave Macedonia a boost heading into the break and they came out firing in the second, with Inter Milan striker Goran Pandev only just shooting wide on the volley in the early stages.Trickovski also went close and was well-denied by Westwood, as Ireland held on in the final moments to record victory.Ireland managed to move to the equal-top of their group after Russia were held to a 0-0 draw in Armenia.Despite fielding the likes of Andrey Arshavin, Yuri Zhirkov and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Vardan Minasyan’s side were compact enough to keep the Russians at bay.The other Group B fixture saw Slovakia claim a 1-0 away win at Andorra thanks to Filip Sebo’s first-half goal.The former Rangers forward is now at Slovan Bratislava and has been in a rich vein of form recently, with his 21st minute strike his seventh in his last six matches.The result sees the Republic of Ireland, Russia and Slovakia all locked on 10 points at the top of the group, with Slovakia leading the way courtesy of goal difference.