ENGLAND V N.IRELAND REVIEW

It was certainly an early start with a train to be caught at 8:30am which got us into Manchester for midday. A few beers and a Burger King later we made out way to the Theatre of Dreams. There was a good atmosphere between both sets of fans with the Northern Ireland supporters kitted out in green, in good voice. And after getting a programme and having a quick look round the massive Megastore we made our way to our seats.

The game itself was very much one sided with England controlling proceedings for the majority of the game. The first half was quite frustrating for the England players and supporters as they were unable to find a way past Maik Taylor in the Northern Ireland goal. Michael Owen particularly guilty of missing a good opportunity when put through.

The second half however was much more of what England fans came to expect with Joe Cole finding a way to go only two minutes after half time. England then added a further two goals within ten minutes through Michael Owen to put the contest to rest with England threatening to run riot. Northern Ireland did manage to hold firm and didn't concede the last goal of the game until 10 minutes from time when a deflected Frank Lampard strike sent Taylor the wrong way.

So as predicted before the match Sven's side won comfortably but Northern Ireland made them work for it in the first half but once the first goal went in so early on in the second half there was only ever going to be one winner. Laurie Sanchez could be proud of his team's effort and especially there supporters who were simply fantastic with a loud vocal support from start to finish.

It was a great day out in Manchester at the superb Old Trafford stadium. The only let down being the shambles of the tram system taking supporters back to Manchester Piccadilly station. We were forced to wait an hour and a half to get through the lengthy queue and get on a tram! And with full houses nearly every week at Manchester United it was a joke as to how unorganised the police were and the procedures that were put in place. Next time I think we're get a taxi!

Its back to the domestic football next weekend as Reading take on Play-Off chasing Sheffield United at the Madejski Stadium. Although there is unlikely to be four goals it should be a well contested match as both teams look to a place in the Play-offs at the end of the season. A full match preview ahead of the game will be available from Friday.

To see our exclusive pictures from England's match against Northern Ireland, Please Click Here