Georgia 1 - 2 Ireland

Published on Sunday 7 September 2008 00:07

IRELAND coach Giovanni Trapattoni won his first competitive game in charge with a 2-1 victory over Georgia in a World Cup Group Eight qualifier.

Goals from striker Kevin Doyle and midfielder Glenn Whelan secured the three points for the Irish in what should have been a home tie for the Georgians who had to switch the game to Mainz, Germany, because of the recent conflict in their country.

Doyle put Ireland ahead after 13 minutes when he headed home a cross from Celtic's Aiden McGeady, while Whelan rifled home from 25 metres in the 71st minute with a little help from Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Loria, who failed to hold on to the ball.

Georgia managed a consolation goal in injury time through Levan Kenia.

Trapattoni was delighted with the victory but was critical of the lapse in concentration which allowed Georgia to score.