Caoimhín Kelleher saves the day as Ireland ride luck to win against Finland

Evan Ferguson's first-half header proved to be the matchwinner as the Republic of Ireland edged out Finland in their UEFA Nations League encounter at Aviva Stadium.

An evenly fought contest saw the visitors hit the woodwork twice in the opening half before Ferguson rose well to nod home on the stroke of half-time.

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s charges had Caoimhín Kelleher to thank in the second half as the goalkeeper’s double-save from the spot ensured that Ireland held on for the victory.

It was a game that Finland had to win to avoid relegation, however, it was the home side who came out of the blocks quickest and probed the flanks in the opening ten minutes, while employing a high press on occasion, which kept possession inside the Finland half.

The visitors finally came out to play and enjoyed a few moments in attack, likewise down the flanks, but neither goal was threatened inside the opening 20 minutes.

Finland enjoyed the best moment as they moved the ball up the right, with Robin Lod and Nikolai Alho combining well to set up Kaan Kairinen in space inside the penalty area, however, his poor shot was helped wide for a corner.

Ireland’s only real return of the period was a couple of early yellow cards for Callum O’Dowda and Jason Knight.

The home side’s best move followed shortly after, as they worked possession out from the back before Matt Doherty sent Josh Cullen racing forward. The ball was slipped inside the right channel for Festy Ebosele, and while his drag-back was cleared, it was picked up by Jason Knight.

And when the crowd yelled "shoot", the midfielder obliged, but fired over the bar.

The offside flag denies Sammie Szmodics and Ireland the opening goal.