Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland. International Match.
Aviva Stadium.
Saturday 26 March 2016 15:43, UK
Republic of Ireland got their preparations for Euro 2016 off to the perfect start with a 1-0 victory over Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium.
Martin O'Neill's side were ahead after just three minutes as Ciaran Clark headed home from close range, but they were dealt a blow midway through the first-half when Kevin Doyle was stretchered from the field follow a challenge with Norwich defender Timm Klose.
Switzerland, who qualified for Euro 2016 behind England, enjoyed plenty of possession but there was no way through for Valdimir Petkovic's side as Ireland's well organised defence held firm for a confidence boosting win.
Republic of Ireland, who are now 10 games unbeaten at home under the guidance of O'Neill, continue their build-up towards this summer's tournament in France with a friendly against Slovakia at home on Tuesday.
In the absence of the injured Robbie Keane, Harry Arta and Jeff Hendricks, O'Neill handed Alan Judge a senior Ireland debut as some of the fringe players in the squad were handed a chance to impress.
Brentford midfielder Judge started along with Blackburn defender Shane Duffy, winning a second appearance for his country almost two years after his first, while there were places too for Stephen Quinn, David Meyler, Aiden McGeady and Kevin Doyle in a side captained by Everton full-back Seamus Coleman.
And they made the perfect start with Duffy heading on Robbie Brady's corner for Clark, who made no mistake from close range in the third minute.
Switzerland, who included Premier League stars Valon Behrami and Klose, responded well with Blerim Dzemaili and Haris Seferovic both firing wide.
The hosts were handed a blow midway through the first-half when Doyle came off second best in a challenge with Klose, and the Colorado Rapids striker was eventually stretchered from the field to be replaced by Daryl Muprhy.
Switzerland continued to out the hosts under pressure but Granit Xhaka's shot deflected off Seferovic and straight to a grateful Randolph.
Despite the Swiss pressure it was Ireland who could have doubled their advantage as Long rose highest to head Coleman's cross against the crossbar.
After the break Switzerland had an opportunity to level when they were awarded a 51st-minute free-kick wide on the right, although did well Randolph to claim Ricardo Rodriguez's ball into the box.
The visitors continued to dominate possession and the home side needed Clark had to produce an immaculately-timed 56th-minute block to deny Breel Embolo a shot at goal from Dzemaili's nicely weighted through ball.
O'Neill handed debuts to Bournemouth's Eunan O'Kane and Aberdeen's Jonny Hayes as they and James McCarthy replaced Meyler, McGeady and Stephen Quinn with 29 minutes remaining, but his side might have been pegged back within five minutes when the lively Dzemaili got his head to a left-wing corner, but could only pick out Randolph.
Switzerland might have grabbed a draw six minutes from time but substitute Shani Tarashaj, who signed for Everton in January, dragged his effort wide, much to the relief of the wrong-footed Randolph.
