Ireland U21s hold off Sweden comeback in friendly victory

Republic of Ireland Under-21s held off a Sweden fightback to secure a 3-2 victory in their friendly clash.

Brighton's Jamie Mullins opened the scoring in the 15th minute after playing a neat one-two with Mark O'Mahony.

Peter Amoran nodded home from a set-piece to send the sides into the break level, but Rocco Vata, currently with Watford in the EFL Championship, fired Ireland back in front within minutes of the restart.

Cork native O’Mahony then added a third, the Portsmouth player putting the finishing touch on a well-timed cross from Jacob Slater in the 49th minute.

Lukas Bjorklund reduced the deficit with a header nine minutes later, but Sweden could not find an equaliser.