A rare blunder from polished Hamrun midfielder Matthew Guillaumier paved the way for Ireland’s victory yesterday at Ta’ Qali.

The decisive incident came ten minutes into the second half when Guillaumier inadvertedly served Robinson who in turn rounded Bonello to slot home.

The Irish held a slight edge throughout the game even though Bonello was never called to make outstanding saves.

Malta played a diligent match but failed to create clear cut scoring opportunities.

Malta had a good counter break on eleven minutes with Satariano passing towards Jones who shot low from a good posi‐ tion but Kelleher saved well.

On 29 minutes a McGrath shot went wide and two minutes from the break Ireland had their best chance with Doherty hitting wide from an ideal position.

After taking the lead on 55 min‐ utes Ireland lost the initiative as the Maltese had a good reaction.

However the locals did not have scoring opportunities and Ireland had more space for their counter breaks.

Robinson tried a long distance lob but Bonello saved with rela‐ tive ease and two minutes from time Ireland were unlucky not to double the score when an O’Dowda shot hit the upright with Bonello beaten.