Fahey's first goal for Ireland secures win against Armenia

FT: Armenia 0 Republic of Ireland 1

Keith Fahey’s first senior international goal got the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 qualifying campaign off to a winning start in a tight encounter in Armenia.

The Birmingham midfielder struck 14 minutes from time and just eight minutes after replacing Aiden McGeady to edge his side past an Armenian side which proved just as dangerous as manager Giovanni Trapattoni had predicted.

Skipper Robbie Keane had earlier seen a strike ruled out for offside and hit the post, but Fahey’s contribution proved enough.

Given was sent anxiously back-pedalling towards his own goal with 20 minutes remaining when Dunne’s clearing header looped just over him and dropped on to the roof of the net.

But with time running down, Doyle forced a good save from Berezovsky with a long-range drive.

Keith Fahey had earlier replaced McGeady, and it was he who finally made the breakthrough 14 minutes from time when, after Keane and Doyle had made nuisances of themselves inside the box, the blasted past the keeper.

The home side threw everything they had at the Republic as the final whistle approached, but the visitors held out to claim the three points for which they came.