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MIPO ODUBEKO popped up with the lone goal as champions Shelbourne made it two wins from two games against the battling ten men of Waterford FC in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division at the RSC. 

Padraig Amond had the first chance on two minutes when he latched onto a long clearance from Stephen McMullan down the left-side on two minutes, and after cutting into the area, but his low shot was saved by Conor Kearns.

Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

The Blues had a penalty appeal turned down by referee Paul Norton six minutes later when Rowan McDonald’s right-wing delivery was knocked down into the path of Tommy Lonergan and although the ball seemed to strike the hand of a defender, the official took his time before awarding a corner-kick.

Shelbourne struck for the lead goal on 14 minutes when Evan Caffey flicked the ball to Sean Boyd, who got past the intentions of Darragh Leahy with ease, before squaring into the centre for Mipo Odubeko to finish past McMullan from ten yards.

Odubeko had the ball in the net for a second time on 22 minutes when he headed home inside the six-yard box, but the flag was raised for offside before Ryan Burke was just over with a cracking 25-yard strike at the other end a minute later.

Harry Wood went close for the champions four minutes later when the midfielder picked up possession left of centre on the top of the penalty area, but his effort fizzed wide of Stephen McMullan’s near post before Sean Boyd was rightly cautioned for simulation in the area on the half-hour.

A neat Shels move on 35 minutes created another chance for Mipo Odubeko when he controlled a pass from Caffrey before bringing the ball onto his left-foot, but his well-struck effort from outside the penalty area was well saved by keeper McMullan.

Blues left full-back Ryan Burke wasn’t afraid to have a crack from distance with his 38^th minute that saw his deflected effort spin wide of the target as the second-half was all about potential penalties and a red card.

There were two penalty appeals in the space of sixty mad seconds on 53 minutes that were both turned away by referee Paul Norton. The first for the Blues when Conan Noonan skipped past Mark Coyle before crossing for Dean McMenamy before the ball broke for Tommy Lonergan, and although the ball seemed to strike the hand of a visiting defender, the referee was unmoved.

Down the other end, Evan Caffrey went down under a challenge from defender Ryan Burke and with the champions bench animated for a spot-kick, assistant coach Joey O’Brien picked up a yellow card for his reaction to the non-award.

Referee Norton was in the centre of the action once again on 62 minutes when Ryan Burke was dismissed on a straight red card for what the official deemed serious foul play for a follow through in a challenge with Evan Caffrey.

Ellis Chapman could have put the icing on the cake for the visitors in second-half added time, but the former Sligo Rovers player saw his effort from distance flash inches wide of McMullan’s left-hand post as neither keeper were tested in the second period.

SUN STAR MAN – Mipo Odubeko (Shelbourne)

WATERFORD FC: McMullan 6; Bakbooard 5 (White 77, 5), Radkowski 6, Boyle 7, Leahy 5, Burke 3; McDonald 7 (Roberts 87, 3), McMenamy 6 (Glenfield 77, 4); Lonergan 6 (Pouwels 77, 4), Amond 6, Noonan 6.

SHELBOURNE: Kearns 7; Gannon 7, Bone 7, Barrett 7, Ledwidge 7; Coyle 6 (Chapman 78, 6), Caffrey 7 (Coote 67, 6), McInroy 6 (Lunney 67, 6), Wood 7 (Norris 78, 5); Odubeko 8, Boyd 7 (Martin 84, 4).

Referee: Paul Norton (Dublin).

US attacks on President Zelensky have only steeled Ukraine’s troops further — with a soldier telling The Sun: “F**k Trump, we’ll keep fighting.”

The US President was unrepentant last night as he justified freezing the Kyiv leader out of peace talks with Russia.

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The Sun

And he tore into PM Sir Keir Starmer and French leader Emmanuel Macron, accusing both of doing nothing to stop the war.

Days before the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Donald Trump said of the Ukrainian president: “I don’t think he’s very important to be in meetings . . . he makes it very hard to make deals.”

The US President added: “I’ve been watching him negotiate with no cards. He has no cards and you get sick of it . . . I’ve had it.”

The jibe dampened hopes of a cooling of tensions after US envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg praised Zelensky as a “courageous” leader.

Mr Zelensky has been reeling since Mr Trump branded him a “dictator” who has done a “terrible job” and locked him out of settlement negotiations.

The stakes were raised as Ukrainian military intelligence announced Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is preparing to declare victory against Mr Zelensky and Nato on Monday.

On social media platform Telegram, the HUR foreign service said the Kremlin has instructed media outlets to push narratives that “the West has betrayed Ukraine” and “neither Moscow nor Washington are concerned by the opinion of Europeans and Ukrainians”.

Ex-intelligence chiefs in Kyiv warned the move was a “bluff” calculated to deepen the rift in relations between the US and Europe.

A former Ukrainian intelligence chief told The Sun: “Putin will declare ­victory, but Ukraine cannot stop fighting while our territories stay occupied.

“When we continue the war, Putin will use this as an excuse to accuse Ukraine of breaking a ‘ceasefire’ we never agreed to — and legitimise firing more drones and missiles across the border.”

Meanwhile, Washington’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was “personally very upset at ­President Zelensky”.

Mr Rubio hit out at Kyiv for rejecting Mr Trump’s pleas to access rare earth minerals in exchange for military aid.

He said: “We discussed this issue about the mineral rights, and we explained to them, look, we want to be in a joint venture with you — not because we’re trying to steal from your country, but because we think that’s actually a security guarantee.”

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At the Conservative Political Action Conference on the outskirts of Washington, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz insisted Mr Zelensky “will sign a mineral rights deal soon”.

He said: “Here’s the bottom line. President Zelensky is going to sign that deal, and you will see that in the very short term.”

The messaging from Mr Trump’s top team struck a different tone to the White House’s Ukraine envoy General Kellogg, who after visiting the country claimed to have had “positive discussions”.

Writing on X/Twitter, the General hailed Mr Zelensky as “the embattled and courageous leader of a nation at war”.

In Europe, Sir Keir, Mr ­Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz continued to rally behind Kyiv.

But ahead of both the British and French leaders visiting the White House next week, the US President said on Fox News: “They didn’t do anything, no meetings with Russia. They haven’t done anything.”

While praising Mr Macron as a “friend” and Sir Keir as a “nice guy”, the tirade will be met with unease in Paris and London.

There is no other way to stop the bloodshed and achieve lasting peace in Ukraine except with the support of the United States.

Poland president Andrzej Duda

Next week, the PM will meet Mr Trump for the first time and is expected to present a “peace plan” offering up 30,000 British troops in Ukraine.

His Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “This is a ­critical moment in the history of Ukraine, Britain and all of Europe.

“That is why now is the time for Europe to double down on our ­support for Ukraine, in pursuit of peace through strength.

“On the battlefield we remain committed to providing £3billion of military support a year to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible, and being ready and willing to provide UK troops as part of peacekeeping forces if necessary.

“Off the battlefield, we will work with the US and European partners to achieve a sustainable, just peace, and in doing so, remaining clear that there can be nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”

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Reuters

At a drinks reception for tech leaders in Kyiv, former Tory MP Jack Lopresti — who moved to Ukraine to join the military after losing his seat — said: “I’m incred­ulous at Trump.

“The UK is now in a unique position and we have to give a lead to our European allies to say that if Americans disengage, we are here. Ukraine must remain.”

Mr Scholz said that while it is too early to discuss peacekeeping missions, Mr Zelensky can “rely on Germany and Europe as a whole”.

But Poland’s President Andrzej Duda urged Mr Zelensky to continue “calm and constructive co­operation” with the White House.

He insisted: “There is no other way to stop the bloodshed and achieve lasting peace in Ukraine except with the support of the United States.”

War in Ukraine still rages on

Meanwhile, missiles continued to rain down on Ukraine across Thursday and Friday — despite the presence of Mr Trump’s Ukraine envoy in Kyiv.

Twelve civilians were killed and six were injured as 160 drones were fired by Putin’s army.

Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 87, but the remaining weapons left dozens of homes and infrastructure damaged in their wake.

In Kyiv, soldiers on a break from the frontline accused the US, “who we thought were our friends”, of abandoning the fight for Western democracy against a bloodthirsty dictator with whom their army pales in comparison.

Private Oleksandr Sokolenko said his army “thought the US were our friends”.

The soldier told The Sun: “Today I want to say f**k Trump. But it’s not a problem for Ukrainians because we’ve been betrayed so many times before.

“If you don’t need us, we will keep fighting.”

Turning to Britain, Oleksandr said his country needs “everything for fighting”.

He told The Sun: “We need cars and drones.”

The vast majority of Ukrainian power on the front line is now drones and the understanding among military chiefs and ministers in Kyiv is AI, innovation and technology will be key to winning.

AS paramedics frantically worked on 14-year-old Jools Sweeney’s lifeless body, his mum clung to him thinking: “I’m not l­etting my baby go.”

But in the end, Ellen Roome could only watch in anguish as attempts to save her beloved son failed following what appears to have been an online game gone ­tragically wrong.

Adrian Sherratt

Adrian Sherratt

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Archie Battersbee, 12, watched a seven-minute TikTok video before his death[/caption]

Louis Wood

Mum Hollie said: ‘ On TikTok two days ago we found a video of someone taking part in a challenge which risked asphyxiation ’[/caption]

Jools is just one suspected victim of the “blackout challenge” which has spread on TikTok.

Still grieving and “barely functioning”, Ellen, 48, from Cheltenham, Gloucs, recalls little about the months after her son’s death in April 2022.

But desperate for answers, she sold her mortgage business last year to lead a campaign for Jools’ Law, which would give parents the right to access their children’s online activity if they die unexpectedly.

And Ellen is not alone. She and three other British families who ­suspect their teenage children died trying to copy the “blackout challenge” in the same year are suing ­Chinese media giant TikTok, which has more than one billion users, in order to get hold of the data.

Having made little progress in the UK, they have turned to an American legal team and the US courts.

The other shattered parents, all from Essex, are Lisa Kenevan, 51, whose son Isaac, 13, took part in a blackout challenge-type video; Liam Walsh, 49, whose 13-year-old daughter Maia passed away after viewing disturbing messages; and Hollie Dance, 49, whose son Archie Battersbee, 12, watched a seven-minute TikTok video before his death.

It was only when they got together that they realised how disturbingly similar the cases are.

All four kids were seemingly happy and popular, enjoyed doing TikTok challenges and are believed to have died from asphyxiation.

We are not going to describe the means of their deaths because we do not want others to copy them.

But their parents believe more children have already lost their lives in a similar way and are urging affected families to join the civil action.

Ellen says: “I’ve been contacted by other families. I think if we bring together more parents, it will help reveal what went on.”

Unravelling that mystery drives the campaign. And speaking to the parents, it is clear they will not give up until they have answers.

Like many others, Ellen thought TikTok was about fun dances and “silly challenges” when she allowed Jools to download it in lockdown.

Looking out over the hills where her son used to make dens, she recalls: “He was chirpy. His last words to me were, ‘I love you’. He used to say ‘Best mum ever’ and I’ve replied, ‘Best son ever’.”

Landmark ruling

Jools, who had no history of self-harm or depression, had played in a boat and toasted marshmallows with pals on the day he died.

At 8.46pm on April 13, 2022, he was laughing as he said goodbye to a friend, yet by the time Ellen returned at 10.30pm, he was lifeless in his bedroom.

It is any parent’s worst nightmare and one that Lisa Kenevan knows all too well.

On March 8, 2022 — when her son Isaac didn’t come down for dinner — Lisa, from Basildon, who works in sales, found the bathroom door locked and got no reply to her shouts.

She recalls: “I went ­downstairs to the garage and got a hammer, then bashed the lock off the bathroom door. And that’s where I found him, unresponsive.”

Lisa tried CPR but neither she nor paramedics could save him.

During a search of Isaac’s smartphone, police found three videos — two showing a blackout challenge-type act and another with a TikTok logo on it.

Lisa says: “The coroner said it looks like Isaac has seen something on social media, or he’s been influenced by someone who has seen it.”

Cops only saw that potentially incriminating material as it was stored on Isaac’s electronic devices.

They did not get to view all his TikTok browsing history or “for you”, which shows what the social media firm was ­recommending he see.

This vital information, which should be held on the firm’s servers, is what all four families want.

If they get hold of the data, it will tell them whether their children were seeking out dangerous challenges or if TikTok’s algorithms were pushing it to them unsolicited.

That is key following a landmark ruling last August, when a court in the US state of Delaware judged ­TikTok is liable for its algorithms which promote content to users.

Previously, social media firms were immune from prosecution for material produced and uploaded by others.

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Isaac Kenevan, 13, took part in a blackout challenge-type video[/caption]

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Mum Lisa said: ‘The coroner said it looks like Isaac has seen something on social media ’[/caption]

Liam Walsh

Maia Walsh, 13, passed away after viewing disturbing messages[/caption]

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Dad Liam said: ‘I said on her death bed  . . . nothing about the scenario makes any sense’[/caption]

In the past, they could dodge legal responsibility if clips of blackout challenges had been recommended on TikTok.

The Social Media Victims Law Center is representing the British parents, and more than 1,200 ­others, in social media lawsuits.

Their lawyer, Matthew Bergman, claims: “TikTok’s algorithm purposely targeted these children with dangerous content to increase their engagement time on the platform and drive revenue.

“It was a clear and deliberate business decision by TikTok that cost these four children their lives.”

But TikTok denies the blackout challenge was ever trending on its platform and claims it removes such harmful content.

Dad Liam Walsh, a senior engineer from Basildon, thinks UK police should do more to probe deaths with a potential link to social media.

He points out that, under British law, it is a criminal offence to encourage suicidal acts.

Liam’s daughter, Maia, who had no history of mental health issues, was found unconscious in her bedroom at her mum’s home in Hertford in the early hours of October 7, 2022.

Her dad could see content she had liked on TikTok before her death, including two messages which appeared to encourage suicidal acts.

Liam recalls: “I said on her death bed, holding her hand, I want her data scooped because nothing about the scenario makes any sense.

“She was an A-grade student. She was funny. She was confident, an articulate young lady blossoming into a woman. How on earth could this have happened?”

But the police don’t have all of her TikTok data. One officer told Liam he wished he could have done more, but that regular criminals were treated as a priority.

‘I want accountability’

Liam claims: “He suggested that because she wasn’t a drug dealer or a terrorist, she didn’t tick enough boxes for her equipment to be examined or interrogated.”

Ellen Roome only considered that social media might have played a role in Jools’ death after she heard the story of Archie Battersbee, which was widely reported in 2022.

His mum Hollie, 49, from Southend, had fought through the courts to keep his life-support on after he was found unconscious at his home on April 7 that year.

She suspected he could have taken part in the blackout challenge as he had watched a seven-minute TikTok video just before he died.

But unless Hollie gets hold of Archie’s full data, she will never know what was on that clip.

A coroner ruled his death an accident, most likely caused by a “prank or experiment that went wrong”.

TikTok claims they blocked the blackout challenge in 2020 and have strengthened their safety ­procedures since 2022.

But Hollie reveals: “We went on TikTok two days ago and found a video of someone taking part in a challenge which risked asphyxiation.

Lisa has sent The Sun recent TikTok clips which challenge users to hold their breath, with one asking: “U still alive?”

TikTok’s senior government relations manager, Giles Dennington, claimed in a radio interview that the youngsters’ data is most likely deleted as data protection laws require firms to remove such info when they “no longer need it”.

Under the US legal system, the families should be able to see what happened to the information if they get to what’s known as the legal “discovery stage”.

But Ellen’s fight will not end there. She insists: “I want accountability.”

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Lisa has sent The Sun recent TikTok clips which challenge users to hold their breath, with one asking: ‘U still alive?’[/caption]

A MONEY-MINDED mum has impressed people online with her incredible DIY skills.

She managed to give her son’s “girly” old bed a total glow up using fabric dye she’d bought online – which she says saved her splashing out £300 on a new bed.

TikTok / @becca_janeh0

TikTok / @becca_janeh0

Mum-of-two Becca posted a video to her TikTok account, @becca_janeh0, showing users the amazing transformation.

Her video has so far been seen a whopping 6.5 million times, with people praising her for her money-saving hack.

She told viewers: “Rather than spending £200-£300 on a new bed, I thought I would upcycle this one, so I went on eBay and bought some fabric dye.

“Read the instructions, I have no clue what I’m doing here, but you have to mix it with, like, some colour activator or soak the bed – so I’ve just sprayed it and now I’m just painting it on.”

Smart-thinking Becca had found some the dye online, and chosen a black colour to match her son’s gaming room aesthetic.

You can find similar fabric dye on Amazon for just £13.

She’d never attempted the DIY hack before, but followed the instructions on the packaging and painted directly onto the headboard.

Bold Becca even did up her son’s gaming chair, to make a matching set of furniture that looked totally brand new.

She said the first time she applied the dye, the dark colour gave her “a bit of a scare” but after application she realised it might even need a second coat.

In another video posted to her page, she showed off the results of the gorgeous glow-up, and you’d never be able to tell the handiwork wasn’t completed professionally.

Pleased with her progress, she told viewers: “In my opinion, how much better does this look for this bedroom?”

She panned the camera round to show the matching gaming chair, which was also updated with a fresh new look.

Still planning to give the furniture another coat in the future, Becca said she’ll soon be giving her other son’s room a makeover too.

Users love the results

Viewers filled the comment section with praise for the hardworking mum’s money-saving makeover.

“I’ve been wanting to do this in my room! Thanks for sharing! Super helpful,” said one person.

“Love the room. I bet your son thinks it’s the best!” said another.

“Omg love, and you didn’t have to spend money on a whole new set,” somebody else wrote.

“I love it! I’ve been thinking of doing the same exact thing!” another user commented.

LEICESTER CITY set an unwanted Premier League record as more misery piled on Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Foxes lost 4-0 at home to Brentford thanks to three first-half Bees goals.

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Leicester lost their sixth home match in a row without scoring a goal[/caption]

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Brentford won 4-0 at the King Power[/caption]

And that made it SIX home league defeats in a row without scoring a single goal.

It puts them clear of Norwich’s five in 2019-20.

The run started with a 3-0 thumping by Wolves on December 22 then City lost 2-0 to Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Arsenal before Brentford arrived at the King Power.

Yoane Wissa gave the Bees the lead on 17 minutes when Leicester’s statues at the back allowed Mikkel Damsgaard’s neat pass to make its way through.

Bryan Mbuemo did what Bryan Mbeumo does, cutting in on his left foot and whipping into the far corner for 2-0.

Then Christian Norgaard had a free header from a free-kick to make it 3-0 with just 32 minutes on the clock.

It looked as though it would finish at three but Fabio Carvalho added a fourth just before the end – to condemn the Foxes to the third 4-0 defeat of Van Nistelrooy’s nightmare tenure.

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OASIS fans have been left fuming after Liam Gallagher ‘revealed’ the band’s surprisingly short set at their big-money reunion tour this summer.

The highly anticipated comeback, which will see the Britpop icons reunite for the first time in 16 years, has been met with huge demand, with tickets selling out within minutes.

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Liam Gallagher has ‘revealed’ Oasis’ surprisingly short reunion tour set[/caption]

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Oasis’ UK reunion tour will begin in July[/caption]

With such hype surrounding the shows – and sky-high ticket prices – fans had been expecting an extensive setlist packed with their biggest hits.

But when Liam dropped his bombshell, it quickly dampened excitement for the gigs.

In response to a tweet asking how long the set would be, Liam casually replied: “59 minutes 59 secs.”

Fans soon took to Reddit to voice their concerns.

One wrote: “I hope this isn’t real I will by flying from Florida to Chicago! Knowing Liam it probably isn’t.”

Another added: “No way they do anything under 2 hours after the prices they charged and the media hype. 30-40 minute Noel set to get them to 2 hours I bet.”

Someone else suggested: “I would say he’s on a wind up but I went to a show where he played less than an hour. Maybe Noel can pick up hour 2.”

A fourth claimed: “I saw Liam in Washington DC in 2018. He performed for 54 minutes with no opening act. Needless to say, I was a little disappointed.”

Earlier this month, Liam spoke out after some Oasis fans were left angry over ticket cancellations.

In a well-meaning attempt to stamp out the use of “bots” to buy tickets, Ticketmaster cancelled up to 50,000 of them which it deemed suspicious, however, some ordinary fans have been punished in the process.

Liam later had his say, but it didn’t provide any comfort for affected fans.

One fan asked on X: “Liam, what do you think of the ticket situation? Thinking fans are bots and getting their money returned?”

He responded: “I don’t make the rules. We’re trying to do the right thing. It is what it is. I’m the singer. Get off my case.”

In another tweet, Liam doubled down, writing: “I know loads of people that ain’t got tickets even family members and there upset but there not being mean and shouting hurty wurty stuff.”

The Manchester band issued a stark warning last year that “thousands of fake tour tickets” had been sold.

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It will see the Britpop icons reunite for the first time in 16 years[/caption]

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Some Oasis fans were left angry over ticket cancellations too[/caption]

Loyal fans had already been hit with strife following the “dynamic pricing” of their reunion tour.

Sales company Ticketmaster came under fire after upping prices in line with huge demand – which brothers Noel and Liam both condemned.

In a further blow, some devastated buyers have now received emails cancelling their tickets and accusing them of being illegal purchasers.

The messages state that Ticketmaster “identified that bots were used to make this purchase.”

It then urged customers to fill out a form to try to solve the dispute for entry to the shows, which kick off in July.

One Oasis fan Leighah Conroy, 24, slammed Ticketmaster and told ITV: “To say that we’re bots is totally out of order for Ticketmaster because we tried all day to get the tickets.

“Our heads have been pretty battered these past 24 hours.

“I felt sick in the stomach. It’s a band you’ll never experience or see again and it’s been on my bucket list for years.

“It just feels like my dreams have been completely crushed.”

She added: “A lot of fans are wanting answers as to why this has happened, and we’ve just got no answers whatsoever.”

Leighah then told of the financial implication of the purchase and said the ticket, accommodation and travel for the gig had amounted to around £400.

A spokesperson from Ticketmaster told ITV: “Anyone who has been contacted and believes a refund was made in error has been sent a form to fill in for the tour’s promoters to review.”

Last year, the band announced they were reuniting for a run of dates in London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Manchester.

The gigs are the band’s first since the Rock en Seine festival in 2009 at which Liam and Noel famously fell out.

RACING at one of the UK’s biggest courses is at risk from a solar farm that could spook the horses, the local MP has warned.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is being urged to cancel the Sunnica site to safeguard Newmarket’s future.

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Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is being urged to cancel the Sunnica site to safeguard the future of Newmarket[/caption]

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Campaigners have warned that the glint and glare from the panels threatens to distract both the horses and their jockeys during races[/caption]

Campaigners have warned that the glint and glare from the panels threatens to distract both the horses and their jockeys during events at the nearby Suffolk venue.

The area’s Tory MP Nick Timothy told The Sun the farm’s threat to the livelihoods of those working in the racing industry was a “scandal”.

He added: “Newmarket is the jewel in the British horse racing crown.

“But the Energy Secretary is ignoring the interests and opinions of a beloved national industry.

“This is the reality of Mindless Milibandism.”

Concerns have been dismissed by the Energy Department, which carried out impact assessments.

The planning decision said: “These conclude that reflections from the PV panels to the horse racing industry receptor locations during operation will either not be geometrically possible or will be sufficiently screened.”

The £600million project, which covers 2,500 acres, was first proposed under the Tories and was signed off by Mr Miliband.

A government spokesman said: “The issue of glint and glare was considered thoroughly at the time, and it was concluded there was no evidence it would impact racehorses at Newmarket.”

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Concerns have been dismissed by the Energy Department, which carried out impact assessments[/caption]

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KYRA CARUSA’S first half header proved the difference as the Carla Ward era got off to a winning start.

The San Diego Waves attacker’s first half smart header earned a big victory in the first of their UEFA Nations League Group B, Group 2 clash against a resolute Reds defense with 8,071 roaring on in Tallaght.

Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

With a lot of the talk in the build up to the game of acrimonious departures from the previous regime, that continued to rumble on in the background, coupled with desperately trying to put the bitter disappointment of last December’s 2-1 defeat to Wales to bed – which ultimately cost them their place at the European Championships – the Girls in Green couldn’t get on the grass soon enough.

With 35 places in the FIFA ranking separating the sides at kick off, Ireland up at 25th and Turkiye sitting in 60th, the home side were given a couple of early warnings that they wouldn’t have it all their own way as the visitors came flying out of the traps forcing a couple of early corners.

Having settled in their new fluid looking 4-3-3, with a narrow midfield allowing both full backs to push on in possession, the hosts began to push the visitors back.

The impressive Ruesha Littlejohn went close with a rasping 30-yard effort that, for a brief moment, looked as if it was catching Selda Akgoz off her line before eventually sailing just over.

And minutes later the vocal home support got the first look at a Megan Campbell special as she launched a throw in straight into the 6-yard box as chaos ensued.

The ball eventually popped out to the feet of Denise O’Sullivan 12-yards out only for Busem Seker to great reactions to clear off the line.

With a real war of attrition developing, both sides could feel the need to win the physical battle before earning the right to play.

As the clock ticked over into first half injury time, the Irish side eventually found the deserved breakthrough against a stubborn Turkish defence with some neat first time football unpicking the lock.

Aoife Mannion firstly fizzed a ball into the feet of Marissa Sheva, who laid it off first time to Heather Payne.

The Everton star, making her 50th appearance, then lofted a delightful cross towards goal, finding Kyra Carusa who in turn looped a clever header over the helpless Akgoz, to grab her tenth goal in a green shirt.

Having weathered 120 minutes of football the night previous, the underfoot conditions began to show wear and tear as the second half progressed with the ball not moving as slick as some would have liked.

But to their credit the hosts moved the ball well with Littlejohn continuing to be the metronomic maestro in the heart of everything good for Ireland as they searched for their second.

Another notable string to the Irish teams bow was the insistence of building out from the back to entice the Turkish side on to them in the hope of finding some space in behind.

But with just the one goal in it anything can happen, and almost did when Melike Pekel burst down the left wing finding Elif Keskin with a low cross.

But thankfully for Ward et al the tame shot was deflected straight at Courtney Brosnan.

The visitors seemed buyout by this foray into the Irish final third then forced a couple of quick fire corners.

The second of which was a devilishly delivered inswinger that looked to have caught Brosnan off guard and looked to be soaring in at the back post but was rescued by the quick thinking Campbell who got back on the line to head clear.

The tough tackling visitors, desperate to find an equaliser, took the wind out of their own sails with a number of tough challenges halting any momentum they tried to build.

Having suffered an injury time hearts-in-mouths moment when substitute Arzu Karabulut missed the target from close range following a goalmouth scramble, the home side showed real grit and determination to see out a nervy last few minutes to battle their way to all three points.

Sun Star Player of the Match – Ruesha Littlejohn (Ireland)

Ireland: Brosnan 7; Mannion 7, Patten 7, Campbell 7 (Hayes 6, 87’), McCabe 7; Sheva 7, Littlejohn 9 (Connolly 7, 77’), O’Sullivan 8; Payne 7, Quinn 7 (Larkin 7, 62’) ; Carusa 8 (Barrett 7, 62’)

Turkiye: Akgoz 6; Sakar 6, Gulbin Hiz 7, Abrahamsson 6, Civilek 6; Topcu 6, Cal 6 (Icinozbebek 6, 82’); Keskin 7 (Karagenc 6, 90+3’), Turkoglu 7 (Karabulut, 71’), Seker 6; Pekel 7 (Hancar 6, 82’)

Referee: Réka Molnar (Hungary) 6

EASTENDERS alum James Alexandrou has responded to Martin Fowler’s tragic death with a savage swipe.

James, 39, played the beloved character from 1996 until 2007 – taking over from Jon Peyton Price.

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James Alexandrou has reacted after Martin Fowler’s death in EastEnders[/caption]

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He was the second actor to play Martin; appearing from 1996 to 2007[/caption]

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Martin Fowler was killed off in the 40th anniversary live episode[/caption]

Viewers were heartbroken after Martin tragically died in the BBC soap’s 40th Anniversary live episode.

Meanwhile, James took to social media to acknowledge his former alter-ego’s passing.

He joked in his Instagram story: “Somehow reckon I’ll still be asked ‘When are you going back to EastEnders?’

James accompanied this message with a snap of Martin’s death scene.

Meanwhile, James Bye had played Martin from 2014 until the character’s demise.

Walford’s first baby born died as a hero following the Queen Vic facing a huge explosion.

He stayed behind in the aftermath to rescue beloved ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

Disaster struck, however, when a steel bar fell and crushed Martin’s legs.

Much of the live episode focused on paramedics attempting to help the fruit and veg stall holder.

After being given morphine by paramedics while firefighters tried to lift the beam, Martin and Stacey had a final conversation.

He proposed to her, declaring that he loved her – all of her.

As they spoke about their lives and futures – in or away from Walford, Stacey realised something was wrong.

Stacey couldn’t bring herself to tell Martin what was happening, but he realised.

He decided to tell her what he’d say at their wedding, telling her: “No pressure but I have loved this woman since the very first moment I saw her. 

“I thought she was the sexiest thing I’ve ever clapped my eyes on. It’s alway been Stace because she feels like home and adventure wrapped into one. 

“I know that this time and we are going to be in here in the Vic celebrating our anniversary in 40 years time.”

She begged him to hold on and they kissed before emergency services began to lift the beam.

Martin told Stacey: “It’s going to be alright.”

Tragically, Martin suffered a cardiac arrest and died leaving Stacey screaming in devastation.

How will Albert Square move forward after losing a pillar of the community?

EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.

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James Alexandrou reacted to his former character’s death[/caption]

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James Bye took over the role in 2014[/caption]

BEAUTIFUL Bruges in northwest Belgium is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe.

Its picturesque canals, cobbled streets and ancient squares make for the perfect photo backdrop, while its excellent transport links from the UK mean it’s easy to visit on a whim.

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Bruges in northwest Belgium is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe[/caption]

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Bruges is also famous for its beers – there are more than 3,000 different beers in Bruges alone[/caption]

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A canalside bar is a great place to enjoy a drink[/caption]

WHY SHOULD I GO? Aside from its incredible history and great beer — Belgium produces some of the strongest lagers in Europe — the city is surprisingly affordable to get to, by train, ferry or plane.

My family of four packed the car, took the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk and within a few hours were wandering the streets and winding canals framed by old buildings.

As well as pretty architecture, food is another part of what makes Bruges so special, so pack your eating trousers and come hungry.

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? The city isn’t large, so it can be easily covered on foot in a couple of days.

Bruges boomed in medieval times and by huge luck dodged the destruction caused by the world wars, which reduced other nearby cities to rubble.

It is now a Unesco-preserved area of magnificent 17th-century buildings, so a stroll around the historic streets is a great way to spend the day.

We left our car at the apartment and didn’t use it once during our three-day stay.

Instead, we relied on a decent map app. Just make sure you pack a sturdy pair of shoes.

ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? I’d thoroughly recommend buying a museum pass — around £27 for adults, £20 for under-25s and £14 for 13-17-year-olds (see museabrugge.be) — which gives you 72 hours of access to all the key sights, including Sint-Janshuismolen, one of four old windmills in the city.

You can also visit Groeninge Museum, which houses paintings from the 14th century to the 20th.

Our favourite attraction was the 83-metre Belfort tower in central square the Markt, which gives a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. You just have to clamber up its 366 steps first.

Some may recognise it from 2008 film In Bruges, starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.

If one charming square isn’t enough, then next door is the Burg, the centre of the city in the Middle Ages.

It includes the Basilica of the Holy Blood, where a cloth said to be stained with Jesus’s blood is stored.

That may not appeal to the kids, but a canal trip sure will.

These cost around £12 per adult and £7 per child and will take you on a 30-minute tour of some of the city’s most scenic spots (see visitbruges.be).

WHERE SHOULD I EAT? With so many sights to see, the many cafes dotted about in the side alleys were our top choice, offering quick, light bites.

Avoid the tourist traps around the main squares, though.

French fries are a must in Bruges — the Belgians claim they invented chips and pretty much everywhere in the city does them well.

They’re often served with mayonnaise, but there are plenty of designated fry shops that have an abundance of other sauces to choose from.

Wash them down with locally-brewed beer and finish with some traditional chocolates for the complete Belgian culinary experience.

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Visit the 83-metre Belfort tower in central square the Markt[/caption]

I FANCY A DRINK!  If you don’t go to Bruges for the history, then the beer is another main lure.

Internationally known for its brewing skills, Belgium isn’t shy of boozers and it is estimated that there are more than 3,000 different beers in Bruges alone.

De Halve Maan brewery, south of the city centre, is a popular spot that offers behind-the-scenes tours of the brewing hall, as well as those all- important samples.

Most bars serve a decent pint, just make sure to quiz the — usually English-speaking — bar staff on the alcohol content.

We struggled to walk home in a straight line after ours.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY? There’s an array of hotels and apartments within walking distance of the centre.

We decided to rent The Guesthouse Next Do, a two-bedroom house just over a mile out of town, which is a beautifully-decorated property with all the mod cons.

Shops and bakeries are on its doorstep and, best of all, there was a free parking spot, which some of the hotels in the city walls don’t provide.

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French fries are a must in Bruges and are often served with mayonnaise[/caption]