Eastern Region start with a bang as they annihilate East Hungary 4-1

The Republic of Ireland’s Eastern Region, representing the nation at the UEFA Regions Cup Qualifiers, got off to a great start on Monday after they beat the hosts East Hungary 4-1 in a match that can be described as a ‘smash and grab’ victory. The Hungarians were pre-match favourites; but, in the city of Hodmezovasarhely Gerry Smith’s side started with a bang as David Lacey found the net in the ninth minute.

Lacey made a clever run in behind the Hungarian defence and slotted the ball home at the near post with a finish that even a world-class striker such as Zlatan Ibrahimovi? would be proud of.

The match just got easier and easier for Ireland after Thomas Dunne scored the second goal in the 23^rd minute with a thumping header. Ireland weren’t done for the first half however. Lar Dunne put a cutback across the box and Jimmy Carr put the ball in the back of the net. With the goal coming before half time, in the 44^th minute, the game was secure and the Hungarians were completely demoralised.

After some excellent build-up play, Carr bagged his brace in the 66^th minute. However, substitute Mihály Dávid Szabó scored in the 74^th minute with a goal that could serve as a morale boost for the Hungarian’s campaign.

In an interview after the match, Irish manger Gerry Smith said, “It’s a fantastic result. We had three challenges this week and that’s the first one down and we’re delighted with it.”

Smith then went on to talk about the first half, which could be described as an exhibition of football blitzkrieg. He stated, “We had a very good first half. They were a dangerous side and a strong outfit so to get the win was a very good start but we’ve got two more difficult tests top come.”

However, he wasn't complacent about the victory. He said, “Everybody was tuned into the game and we did very well across the team and we’ll enjoy the win for what it was but the aim now is to focus on the next challenge against the Lithuanian side.”

Eastern Region play v FK Nev?žis in Hodmezovasarhely on Wednesday 22^nd October at 10:00 a.m. Irish Time