Job done, but Mannion knows Ireland can improve

Ireland's Aoife Mannion and Greece's Eleni Markou. Pic: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Republic of Ireland defender Aoife Mannion conceded it was job done as her side laboured to a 2-1 success over Greece.

Having won 4-0 away to the same opposition, two early goals in each period secured the Nations League victory for Carla Ward’s side at Tallaght Stadium.

“It was a little bit tricky in the last 10 minutes. But we got the job done and the three points. That’s the most important thing,” said the Manchester United defender.

The player of the match continued: “We know we can be better. I think it was encouraging that we had so many opportunities, so many chances; so many shots. We just need to be a little tidier in defence. And put our chances away.” 

The 29-year-old was a constant threat and spent a large part of the game in the visitors' box trying to get on the end of set-pieces, corners and throw-ins.

“That really shows how we are doing as a team, that our defenders are able to get forward, especially the full-backs. We’re all trying to contribute. I’m playing right-back, so I must say it’s a shift getting forward and back. If it helps the team, then it’s worth it.” 

With Amber Barrett’s opening penalty giving the hosts the lead, video replays showed Leanne Kiernan may have been outside the box when fouled.

“I’m just delighted for Amber, getting the penalty. She scored in the previous game on Friday on her 50th cap,” remarked Mannion. “Look, it could have been in or outside. Who knows. Decisions come to you. And go against you as well. 

"I think if it wasn’t that chance, we’d have had another chance.” 

She went on to stress: “I wouldn’t say we were lucky tonight. I’d say that if anything, we were unlucky not to put more chances away. But we have to create our own luck. We have to do better by taking our chances.” 

Mannion explained that Anna Patten’s goal which put the Girls in Green 2-0 up, was straight off the training ground.

“It was really sweet. Our Assistant (Alan Mahon) has done a lot this week. He’s got us really tight on set-pieces. He said that every goal we score off a set-pieces, we can put a certain amount of money aside for a charity that we want to do, So we’ve scored two on this camp. 

"We’ll have to have a chat about that now, where we’re going to give that money now. It just adds that little extra spice. Not that we need that already. That’s definitely all credit to him. The two things he says on set-pieces are delivery and desire. 

"To be fair to Anna, that’s what she did to get the goal.” 

Mannion praised the home support in Tallaght for getting behind the team.

“It’s always incredible to come back here. The last time we played here, we beat Turkey 1-0. It probably wasn’t the most convincing of performances. I think we made good on that, across the board tonight, in terms of performance."

The Red Devils star concluded: “The pitch was night and day from the Turkey game. Tonight, it allowed us to play some of the football that Carla’s been wanting us to work on. We have to make sure that every time we play in front of our home fans, we make it entertaining. W

"e put on a show, we get goals, and we defend well."