HT in Ireland and everything I said pre-game comes true.

Ireland scored an oh-so-easy goal in the 38th second after some shambolic defending from a set piece. Bulgarian look the better team, we play the ball nicely, look hungry and up for it, but miss the final bit of quality to make it count. We've created 2-3 great chances for an equaliser, but we need much better finishing than what we show.

It is proving to be a good game of football and, although I am very happy for the reselience and commitment we show, I still think we will lose this game, mainly due to our defensive flaws.

I see Kilbane has just done you a favour.

Just finished watching the game.

I think we were overall the better team, not by much though. We played the ball well, but we desperately lacked the quality in the final moment, be it a killer pass, a shot or just a decent finish, which is not surprising given the missing personnel.

The goal was thouroughly deserved - the manner in which it came was lucky, but we played our way into it.

The defense has proved it still can't defend from set pieces and this has always been our undoing.

MOTM goes to Stilyan Petrov for me - not just for his "assist" for Kilbane's OG, but for his overall contribution. He won zounds of balls in the midfield, made some important runs, distributed the bal well and was our heart and engine. A true captain's performance.

Also, Liam, I completely agree with your assessment of McShane. I have rarely seen a player so timid and lacking in confidence. He was a constant liability for you.

If we play the way we did today and sort out the defense, once the stars come back, we are in this with a shout.

I promise to post some pictures of the reverse fixture when Ireland come to Bulgaria.

Edited March 28, 200916 yr by Virosh

Just finished watching the game.

I think we were overall the better team, not by much though. We played the ball well, but we desperately lacked the quality in the final moment, be it a killer pass, a shot or just a decent finish, which is not surprising given the missing personnel.

The goal was thouroughly deserved - the manner in which it came was lucky, but we played our way into it.

The defense has proved it still can't defend from set pieces and this has always been our undoing.

MOTM goes to Stilyan Petrov for me - not just for his "assist" for Kilbane's OG, but for his overall contribution. He won zounds of balls in the midfield, made some important runs, distributed the bal well and was our heart and engine. A true captain's performance.

Also, Liam, I completely agree with your assessment of McShane. I have rarely seen a player so timid and lacking in confidence. He was a constant liability for you.

If we play the way we did today and sort out the defense, once the stars come back, we are in this with a shout.

I promise to post some pictures of the reverse fixture when Ireland come to Bulgaria.

Perfect summary Virosh. I agree with every word. Petrov was far and away the best midfielder on show. The game was pretty much as I expected too. We got a point which is better for us than you, particularly the way the game went.

€70 a ticket Liam . Did you go ? cause if you did im having you checked out by the criminal assetc brueau .

€70 a ticket Liam . Did you go ? cause if you did im having you checked out by the criminal assetc brueau .

Corporate I'm afraid Ian. Fillet steak and wild mushrooms in a red berry jus.

Corporate I'm afraid Ian. Fillet steak and wild mushrooms in a red berry jus.

And what did you serve the patrons for dessert?

And what did you serve the patrons for dessert?

We threw them a few prawns we had left over.