Ireland's Alan Lee (centre) competes for the ball with Jamaica's Gerald Neil (left) and Damion Stewart during their international friendly soccer match at The Valley stadium in London yesterday. Ireland won 1-0.
- Reuters LONDON, (Reuters):
A FIRST-HALF goal from Coventry City's Graham Barrett helped Ireland to a 1-0 victory over Jamaica yesterday in the final match of the three-nations Unity Cup international friendly tournament.
In a lively first half, Barrett pounced on a mishit clearance from Jamaica defender Damion Stewart to put Ireland ahead in the 27th-minute with a right-footed shot that spun across goalkeeper Donovan Rickets and into the far corner.
UNABLE TO CONVERT CHANCES
Jamaica, who were beaten 2-0 by Nigeria on Monday in the tournament at premier league club Charlton Athletic's south-London ground, played with fluidity in the first half, but were unable to convert their chances.
Four days after losing to Nigeria at the same ground, Ireland coach Paul Kerr gave most of his fringe players a chance to shine before 6,155 fans at the home of Premier League Charlton Athletic.
Marlon King had the best chance of the first half for Jamaica but the Gillingham striker's first time shot was well held by keeper Paddy Kenny.
King missed the target from the edge of the area in the second half after Kevin Lisbie and Deon Burton had opened up the Irish defence.
Both goalkeepers had a quiet second half as shots were reduced to long-distance efforts, though Jamaica's Garfield Reid came closest to scoring when his blast from the edge of the box skimmed just over the bar.
Nigeria, who beat Ireland 3-0 on Saturday, won the tournament.
