Dominant second-half performance helps Republic of Ireland ease past Greece

PA Sport Staff

The Republic of Ireland were emphatic winners in the first of a double header against Greece in the Women’s Nations League.

Looking for their second victory of the campaign after beating Turkey and losing to Slovenia, Ireland ran out 4-0 winners in Crete, with all the goals coming in the second half.

Denise O’Sullivan won her 122nd cap to become Ireland’s second-highest appearance maker behind Emma Byrne, but the first half was a frustrating one for the visitors who could not find a breakthrough.

Boss Carla Ward made a double change at the break, bringing on Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva for Megan Campbell and Tyler Toland, and the effect was immediate.

Sheva put Ireland ahead with 48 minutes on the clock, her shot taking two deflections on its way into the net, and 13 minutes later it was 2-0 as Kyra Carusa netted a rebounded after Leanne Kiernan’s shot was saved.

The third arrived with 16 minutes remaining, Jessie Stapleton heading in McCabe’s corner.

Substitute Amber Barrett made her mark in stoppage time, celebrating her 50th cap in style with the fourth.

The Republic will now try to engineer a repeat in the reverse fixture on Tuesday at Tallaght Stadium.