O'Shea Solid as Ireland Defeat Jamaica

In Action
By Chris O'Brien
June 3 2004

United defender John O'Shea helped Ireland keep a clean-sheet, as Brian Kerr's side beat Jamaica 1-0 at The Valley. Graham Barrett hit the only goal of the game in a match that concluded the Unity Cup.

Manchester United defender John O'Shea was a rock in defence as the Republic of Ireland edged out a nervous 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the final Unity Cup match held at The Valley. Graham Barrett hit the only goal of the game mid-way through the opening period to secure a deserved win for the Irish.

Ireland boss Brian Kerr rung the changes after his side were easily beaten 3-0 by the stylish Nigerians last weekend, with O'Shea one of seven changes to the side that was thumped that day. It was a far more composed performance, and only a lack of fire power up front cost Ireland leaving London with a bigger win.

Full Time - Republic of Ireland 1-0 Jamaica
Attendance - 6,000

Republic of Ireland: Kenny, Maybury, O'Shea, Doherty, O'Brien, Kinsella, Barrett, Alan Quinn, Lee, Morrison, Andy Reid. Substitutes: Colgan, Finnan, Rowlands, Clarke, Thompson, Holland, McPhail, McGeady, Doyle, Robbie Keane.

Jamaica: Ricketts, Damion Stewart, Neil, Goodison, King, Chin-Sue, Hyde, Reid, Lisbie, Fabian Davis, Burton.
Substitutes: Aaron Lawrence, Whitmore, Jermaine Johnson, Langley, Bernard, Dobson, Claude Davis.