Dunne strike salvages draw

A late goal by substitute Richard Dunne enabled the Republic of Ireland to salvage a 2-2 draw with Turkey in a lively friendly international at Lansdowne Road.

Late strikes
Dunne volleyed the equaliser into the net from eight metres in injury time to deny the visitors a victory that had looked certain when Okan Yilmaz gave them the lead four minutes from the end of normal time.

Bright start
Turkey had begun brightly with Tuncay Sanli having four early attempts on goal. However, it was the home side who opened the scoring ten minutes before half-time against the run of play, when striker David Connolly outpaced Alpay Özalan before cutting inside and scoring with a well-struck effort from just inside the penalty area.

Home team hit form
The home team might have doubled their lead almost immediately, Gary Doherty sending a low shot just wide and a minute later Damien Duff's well-struck shot forced Rüstu Reçber to make a fine low save.

Fine move
Turkey drew level with their best move of the match six minutes into the second period, as Hakan Sükür powerfully headed Ergün Penbe's left-wing cross into the net.

Further chances
Ömer Çatkiç, who replaced the injured Rüstu Reçber on the hour, nearly inadvertently restored Ireland's lead as he spilled a cross, but he was resuced by the post, and both sides had further chances before the eventful end to the match.

Qualifying campaigns
Turkey currently sit top UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 7, two points ahead of England but having played a game more. The Republic of Ireland, meanwhile, lie second in Group 10, a point adrift of Switzerland, who also have a game in hand.