Republic of Ireland 0-0 Northern Ireland: Darren Randolph the hero as neighbours draw a blank

Republic of Ireland 0-0 Northern Ireland: Darren Randolph the hero as neighbours draw a blank
Darren Randolph produced a series of fine saves to deny Northern Ireland victory as the Republic of Ireland had to make do with a 0-0 draw on a dull night in Dublin.The Republic, who went into the game having won just once in their previous nine outings and desperate to gain some momentum ahead of Monday night’s Nations League trip to Denmark, were second-best in a clash between neighbours as they met for the first time in seven years.2

Northern Ireland were denied by some fine goalkeeping

But they needed Randolph to make fine saves from Gavin Whyte and substitute Jordan Jones either side of the break to ensure they emerged with something to show for their efforts as the visitors, who had tasted victory only twice in 11 matches before kick-off, created the better openings.Indeed, the home side’s only chances of note predictably came courtesy of Robbie Brady set-pieces on the Burnley midfielder’s return to the international stage following a year out through injury, and the final whistle was greeted by a chorus of boos.The reception afforded to the two national anthems was less than respectful, but in a cagey start to the game it was the visitors who almost broke the deadlock after Shane Duffy had misjudged Steven Davis’ 14th-minute ball forward.Duffy’s error allowed Liam Boyce to hook the ball into the path of Stuart Dallas to in turn feed Whyte, who looked certain to mark his first senior start for his country with a goal until Randolph raced from his line to make a vital block.2

Jones was denied by Randolph

Seamus Coleman and Boyce were left bloodied by a clash of heads seconds later as Northern Ireland continued to press, but Duffy should have atoned for his earlier error when he met Brady’s 21st-minute free-kick, but got his timing wrong to allow keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell to tip his downward header over.Dallas might have done better after cutting out Glenn Whelan’s crossfield ball and curling a shot harmlessly wide, but with he, Davis and Whyte dominating in midfield, the visitors looked the more likely scorers.Whelan’s 85th and probably final Ireland appearance came to a planned end nine minutes before the break as he was replaced to warm applause by Conor Hourihane seconds before James McClean, booed at every touch by the travelling fans, lashed an ambitious volley high over.However, Randolph was called upon once again four minutes before the break when, after Darragh Lenihan’s ball had been intercepted, Davis picked out Dallas’ run and saw him force a solid save from the Middlesbrough keeper, who was relieved to see Michael Smith’s stoppage time piledriver fly just over his crossbar. The Republic returned determined to wrest control from the visitors and enjoyed a measure of success as they managed to ease themselves further up the pitch, and they went close when Callum Robinson steered McClean’s 59th-minute shot wide after Coleman had crossed from the right.Boyce looped a header over from Smith’s 65th-minute cross as Northern Ireland responded and then saw the ball hacked away as it broke into his path after Randolph had parried Smith’s volleyed delivery three minutes later.The keeper came to the Republic’s rescue once again with 18 minutes remaining when, after substitute Jones had pounced on another mistake by Lenihan, he denied the midfielder with his foot.

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International friendly report: Darren Randolph made a string of superb saves as the Republic of Ireland held Northern Ireland to a 0-0 draw in Dublin.
Darren Randolph hailed as Ireland's hero as keeper

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Republic of Ireland 0-0 Northern Ireland: Darren Randolph the hero as neighbours draw a blank Darren Randolph produced a series of fine saves to deny Northern Ireland victory as the Republic of Ireland had to make do with a 0-0 draw on a dull night in Dublin. The Republic, who went into the..
Report: Republic of Ireland 0 Northern Ireland 0 | Goal.com

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Republic of Ireland 0-0 Northern Ireland: Darren Randolph the

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International friendly report: Darren Randolph made a string of superb saves as the Republic of Ireland held Northern Ireland to a 0-0 draw in Dublin.
Football news - Darren Randolph the hero as Ireland hold

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stalemate Neither side could find a goal and the final whistle was greeted with a chorus of boos Darren Randolph produced a series of fine saves to deny Northern Ireland victory as the Republic of Ireland had to make do with a 0-0 draw on a dull night in Dublin.
Football news - Darren Randolph the hero as Ireland hold

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Irish SunSport picks an all-island dream team as Republic of Ireland edge Northern neighbours. Darren Randolph denies Northern Ireland back in November Credit: Sportsfile.

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stalemate Neither side could find a goal and the final whistle was greeted with a chorus of boos Darren Randolph produced a series of fine saves to deny Northern Ireland victory as the Republic of Ireland had to make do with a 0-0 draw on a dull night in Dublin.
Darren Randolph the hero as neighbours draw a blank

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Darren Randolph produced a series of fine saves to deny Northern Ireland victory as the Republic of Ireland had to make do with a 0-0 draw on a dull night in Dublin. The Republic, who went into
Republic of Ireland 0-0 Northern Ireland: Darren Randolph the

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Darren Randolph was the hero as the Republic of Ireland held rivals Northern Ireland to a goalless draw at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Republic of Ireland 0 Northern Ireland 0: Randolph saves

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Darren Randolph hailed as Ireland's hero as keeper 'devastates' former Middlesbrough youngster. Boro's keeper was in outstanding form for Republic of Ireland in their 0-0 draw with Northern Ireland
SunSport picks all-Ireland dream team as Republic edge

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Darren Randolph was the hero as the Republic of Ireland held rivals Northern Ireland to a goalless draw at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The home side shot-stopper pulled off two crucial saves
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