Three Saddlers on international duty...
NEIL ETHERIDGEGoalkeeper Neil Etheridge played the full 90 minutes as the Philippines opened their 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 4-1 victory over ten-man Nepal.
Azkals captain Phil Younghusband atoned for an early penalty miss with the opening goal - from a spot-kick - on 21 minutes.
The same man added a second two minutes later before an Iain Ramsay volley made it 3-0.
Bishal Rai pulled one back for Nepal – who played 78 minutes with ten men following Bikram Lama’s dismissal - only for Javier Patino to slot home a fourth midway through the second half.
ANDREAS MAKRIS
Forward Andreas Makris came on as an 89th-minute substitute in Cyprus’ goalless home draw with Estonia in World Cup qualifying.
Cyprus created the clearer opportunities, with Nestor Mytides having a goal disallowed for offside and Demetris Christofi rattling the bar.
The result leaves Christakis Christoforou’s men in fourth place with four points from five Group H qualifiers.
LIAM KINSELLA
Midfielder Liam Kinsella was an unused substitute as the Republic of Ireland U21s beat Kosovo 1-0 in their opening UEFA U21 Championship qualifier.
Olamide Shodipo’s close-range finish early in the second half earned Ireland all three points in a tight encounter.