Ireland U19s fall short as Slovakia strike twice late on

Rep of Ireland U19 1-2 Slovakia U19

The Republic of Ireland men's Under-19s were defeated 2-1 by Slovakia at Wexford's Ferrycarrig Park in their opening game of the Elite Phase of the UEFA European Championship qualifiers.

Despite plenty of opportunities for Tom Mohan's side, the Slovakians struck two late goals from Artur Gajdos and Adam Griger to secure the points despite a late Irish goal from Tommy Lonergan.

Mark O'Mahony had the first sight on goal for Ireland after some good work from Franco Umeh and Harry Vaughan that set the striker up but his effort went just over Adam Hrdina's bar.

Moments later Slovakia had a chance to score as Tomaš Kachnič struck from the edge of the area, but his attempt failed to trouble Reece Byrne. Kevin Zefi forced Hrdina into a fine save after he latched onto a loose ball following some pressure from Umeh but he had just strayed into an offside position.

Zefi was to test Hrdina once again from a free kick as his effort was tipped over the bar, he was to deny Ireland again from the resulting corner with Sean Grehan forcing Hrinda to do well to save once more.

O’Mahony had another opportunity following an excellent delivery from Sam Curtis. Still, his glancing header took a deflection en route to the goal that forced the ball wide for a corner. Slovakia had an opportunity to open the scoring late in the first half as Leo Sauer was left free at the back post but he couldn't direct his header past, Byrne.

Zefi had the best chance in the opening minutes of the second half as he broke down the left but dragged his shot wide at the far post. Gajdoš forced Byrne into a fine save as the Slovakian midfielder struck his effort from a distance with Byrne getting down well to save.

Rocco Vata had an