Ireland U21s survive late scare to maintain unbeaten start in Latvia

Latvia 1-2 Rep Ireland

Two goals from Armstrong Oko-Flex kept Ireland's unbeaten start to their U21 European qualification campaign alive - although an injury-time goal from Latvia made for a nervy final couple of minutes in Jelgava.

After a fast start by the hosts, Ireland quickly took control of the game and on the 15-minute mark, Oko-Flex finished smartly on the rebound after Mo Lawell's header had come back off the crossbar.

Jim Crawford's side dominated possession from that point on although they couldn't quite find that crucial second goal and went in at the break just one goal to the good.

At the back, Lawell and Connor O'Riordan kept the home side at bay while Tony Springett was a constant threat, cutting in on his left foot from thr right wing.

After the break, Ireland more or less picked up where they left off but again the second goal proved elusive. The home side began to feel their way back into the game and, although never really threatening Josh Keely's goal, began to show signs that they were not prepared to go quietly.

Oko-Flex's second goal, when it came in the 57th minute, was crucial. Again, it was Springett who caused the home side a problem down the right. He made it to the byline, cut across and coolly picked out Oko-Flex. The FC Zurich winger may not have made the best contact, but he directed the ball towards goal and - after it came off the head of a luckless Latvian defender - Ireland were 2-0 up.

Sinclair Armstrong led the line all afternoon and might have had a goal for his efforts although Latvian goalkeeper Janis Beks showed why he's entrusted with the captain's armband, making several saves throughout.

In midfield, Irish skipper Joe Hodge and the in-form Andrew Mzak oran were excellent. Moran