By Ade O'Connor
March 31 2003

Gary Doherty bailed Ireland out in the closing stages, as Ireland got out of jail in a match marred by crowd trouble. The Republic seemed to be cruising at half time, after getting the better of the Georgians in the first half, but were lucky to escape with all three points in the end. Damien Duff put in a starring performance, capped by the goal, which initially gave the Irish the lead. Lee Carsley and Duff again went close in a strong period of Irish pressure.

Georgia were not without their moments though, Kinkladze ran the show from the midfield, playing key balls through and using the skill once plied in the Premier League. Iashvili breached the Irish defence, only to waste a good opportunity.

The second half brought immediate Irish pressure, as a poor back pass from a Georgian defender left Lee Carsley clean through on goal; the keeper was equal to the effort. Georgia grew as the half wore on, gaining more and more attempts on the Irish goal, with Kinsella making a vital block.

The Georgians equalised after a six-inch penknife was thrown from the crowd towards Kevin Kilbane. This was not the only disturbance in the match, as Duff and Carsley were pelted, while Breen was struck with a ball bearing.

Ireland were ill prepared for the free kick to follow the penknife incident, as Kobiashvili took advantage by beating Shay Given at his near post.

The Republic began to carelessly give away possession to the opposition, and almost paid the price as the underdogs looked at ease on the ball. Kobiashvili got the better of John O`Shea once more, only to squander what proved to be the last chance for his team in the 71st minute.

With only the final quarter of an hour remaining, the eastern Europeans seemed ready to settle for an impressive an unexpected point. Taking off a striker and replacing him with a more defensive minded player, the men in black seemed ready to shut the game down.

However, it was not to be a shock for the Irish, as good work from Damien Duff ensured the header across goal led to Gary Doherty having an easy header to score his third international goal. After 84 minutes, the Irish had finally saved their blushes.

As Doherty moved past the post in celebration, a glass bottled shattered against the upright, the Tottenham player narrowly escaping another act of violence from the so-called home supporters.

Despite the good football on show, the match will be remembered for other unfortunate incidents, as UEFA have pledged to investigate the going ons in Tblisi.

The Irish qualification cause was dealt an unexpected plus as Albania beat Russia 3-1, in an unexpected result.

Albania remains at home when the Irish travel to another must in game on Wednesday.

Georgia: Lomaia, Khizaneishvili, Shashiashvili, Amisulashvili, Jamarauli, Nemsadze, Kobiaschwili, Tskitischvili, Kinkladze, Ketsbaia, Iashvili. Subs: Gvaramadze, Kvirkvelia, Kemoklidze, Demetradze, Didava, Ashvetiya, Rekhviashvili.
Rep of Ireland: Given, Carr, Cunningham, Breen, O`Shea, Carsley, Holland, Kinsella, Kilbane, Duff, Doherty. Subs: O`Brien, Connolly, Kenna, Lee, Kiely, Healy, McPhail.

Referee: Kyros Vassaras (Greece)