So Here we are – Ireland on the brink of qualification for another major tournament. Under the guidance of Teabag our young stars have performed solidly, picking up some big scalps along the way to what could be a defining moment in their development.

A win against todays opponents Armenia and qualification for the Euro Champs is assured. A draw would do. A defeat – unthinkable.

Ireland lined up in a 4-1-4-1, while Armenia chose a 4-5-1 (attacking) knowing only a win would give them hope of qualifying for the EC’s.

The first few minutes were quiet enough with both teams just getting to know each other. Then, it happened.

8 Minutes…BIFF!!!
A sweet through ball from M. Trifonov gave I. Shashikian a good opportunity from the distance after 8 minutes. He hammered it home with a clean volley with no chance whatsoever for J. "The Cat" Rochford. 1-0!

9 minutes…BANG!!!
A long shortpassing sequence by Armenia ended as I. Shashikian found A. "Conan" Barbarian with a chip into the penalty area. A. "Conan" Barbarian dived into the ball and headed it towards the far post, and J. "The Cat" Rochford could do nothing but watch as the ball sailed into the net - 2-0!

10 minutes…BOOM!!!
E. Galustian showed great vision and technical skills when he gave A. "Conan" Barbarian a breakaway after 10 minutter. J. "Jayyysus" Miller forgot all about his marking, and so A. "Conan" Barbarian had a clear shot from 25 meters and he didn't fail but send the ball under J. "The Cat" Rochford - 3-0!

3 goals. 3 minutes. Ireland shell shocked. They managed 6 shots and did not hit the target. The Armenians ran riot, but mercifully didn’t score again. Bad day at the office for the Irish – every team has them. Teabag of course must take some of the blame (it’s a high profile job and the nature of the beast) but in a Nation as small as ours you need your big players to perform. Our two highest ASI players did not turn up, both returning 1/10 performances as well as a 2/10 performance from J. "Jayyysus" Miller (who, I must say may not have been the man for the job).

Still, no point panicking. Defeats are inevitable at NT level, no matter who you are. Its dealing with them and coming back from them that is the key. We must not forget Ireland are in the third automatic qualification position and with 2 games to go, we’ve been in tighter groups and worst positions and qualified. Keep the faith – that’s what I say. Just don’t get beat again.