Ireland avoid major scare to scrape past nine-man Armenia

Ireland survived a second-half horror show to eventually secure a 3-2 victory over Armenia in their final UEFA Nations League clash at the Aviva Stadium.

John Egan opened the scoring for Stephen Kenny's side in the 18th minute, before Michael Obafemi doubled the lead just after half-time.

However, from a position of comfort, Ireland let the opponents back into the contest, conceding twice in two minutes as Artak Dashyan and Eduard Spertsyan restored parity.

But the blushes would eventually be spared in the final moments of the game as Ireland were awarded a penalty, which Robbie Brady converted to hand Kenny's side their second win of the campaign.

There was no sign of nerves in the opening exchanges as Ireland set about putting the relegation issue to bed early in the contest, piling forward in the opening five minutes looking for that early breakthrough.

A 3-5-2 formation of sorts to start the game, however, both wing-backs and even centre-half Nathan Collins were loitering with intent in the final third throughout.

GOAL Rep of Ireland 1-0 Armenia 18’ Ireland make the breakthrough as John Egan makes it two goals in as many games with a powerful header