Collins hat-trick helps Ireland beat Liechtenstein
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
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Liechtenstein 1-4 Republic of Ireland
The home side took an early lead but a seven-minute hat-trick from Shrewsbury Town FC striker James Collins stole the show in Group 7.
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Liechtenstein let an early lead slip for the second game in a row, with the Republic of Ireland hitting back four times before the break to claim a 4-1 win in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 7.
René Pauritsch's men took an early lead against Italy before losing 7-2 in their last game, and were on course for similar disappointment after Simon Pirker linked up with Rony Hanselmann to put the home side in front on 14 minutes. James Collins scored a seven-minute hat-trick, connecting with a Robert Brady corner and an Adam Barton cross before putting the finishing touch to a move involving Richie Towell and Aidan White.
Shane Duffy completed the scoring six minutes before the interval when he got his head to another Brady corner. Liechtenstein are yet to pick up a point in the section.
