IFA Programme 2016

axis of Steven Davis and Ollie Norwood keeping Aaron Ramsey extremely quiet. Stuart Dallas, Jamie Ward and Ollie Norwood all produced decent shots on goal, while Kyle Lafferty headed over when well placed. Apart from a trademark dipping free-kick from Bale, which Michael McGovern dealt with comfortably, Wales never really looked like scoring until Bale broke away down the left and executed a delicious cross

which Big G unfortunately turned into his own net as Robson-Kanu was about to pounce. It was unavoidable, but what a gut- wrenching way to fall behind – and eventually to lose the game. Northern Ireland tried to rally after that but to no avail and there was definitely a feeling that the game was there for the taking when the players reflected on the Wales encounter

in the days following their Euro 2016 exit. The adieu would definitely have been easier to take if we had been on the receiving end of a sparkling performance from the opposition, but that was definitely not the case here. Still, despite our stay in France being cruelly cut short, we were nevertheless left with many wonderful memories from Euro 2016. And the homecoming event at Titanic Belfast just a couple of days later, where the players got a taste of the fanatical support which their efforts sparked back home and 10,000 supporters got to thank their heroes, helped to ease the pain as it was another great occasion linked to the Euros adventure... and it was a fitting finale.

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