06.09.2019 at 20:00 Tallaght Stadium
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Attendance: 3658 |
Referee: Fyodor Zammit |
European Qualifier / PROG-match |
Debut for Troy Parrott
Republic of Ireland Under-21s continued their winning start to their European Championships qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over Armenia.
Troy Parrott's first-half strike, in his first appearance at the age level, secured the three points in front of 3658 at Tallaght Stadium. Ireland controlled the game from start to finish as Adam Idah fired wide in the opening stages and Parrott missed the target from close range in the opening 15 minutes of the game.
Stephen Kenny's side eventually went ahead through Parrott, but it was the industrious Aaron Connolly who masterminded the goal. Connolly picked up the ball on the half-way line before he drove down the left, cut back and found Parrott in space to finish on the half-hour.
Ireland continued to press forward throughout the game and had their best chance to double the lead in the 57th minute. A defensive error saw Idah pick up the ball 25 yards out, he found Parrott who hit the post with a low effort and Idah flashed a shot over the bar.
Despite the narrow scoreline, Armenia rarely challenged as Jonathan Afolabi was introduced during the final stages for his first appearance at U-21 level following his fantastic performances in the U-19 European Championships.
"I thought it was a good performance, we controlled the game in all areas and we were well worth the victory," said U-21 manager Stephen Kenny.
"We were unfortunate to not score more goals and maybe we've got to be a bit more clinical in the final third but overall, I was really happy with the performance.
"This is the first time that front three have played together so the signs are encouraging as we head to Sweden tomorrow. We've got two flights tomorrow to Kalmar so we've got to make sure the players are ready for another big game on Tuesday night."
Republic of Ireland: Caoimhin Kelleher (GK), Lee O'Connor, Darragh Leahy, Conor Masterson, Dara O'Shea, Conor Coventry, Jayson Molumby (C), Adam Idah (Dan Mandroiu 57), Troy Parrott, Aaron Connolly (Jason Knight 89), Gavin Kilkenny (Zack Elbouzedi 57).
Armenia: Sevak Aslanyan (GK), Hovhannes Nazaryan, Albert Khachumyan, Edgar Grigoryan, Karen Melkonyan, Armen Nahapetyan (Arlen Tsaturyan 82), Vahan Bichakhchyan (Aram Khamoyan 76), Artur Nadiryan (C) (Erik Vardanyan 82), German Kurbashyan (Edgar Movsesyan 69), Rudik Mkrtchyan, Erjanik Ghubasaryan.
Referee: Fyodar Zammit (MLT)
Attendance: 3658 |
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