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Ireland survived an early scare to secure a well-earned 2-1 win against Bulgaria in their UEFA Nations League play-off first leg encounter at the Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv.

The home side scored with their first attack of the game as Marin Petkov’s fine finish put Bulgaria ahead with just six minutes on the clock.

But Ireland regrouped, started to dominate proceedings, and were rewarded with two first-half goals as Finn Azaz and Matt Doherty put the visitors ahead before the break.

A scrappy second half would follow as Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side never looked in danger of relinquishing the lead in this two-legged relegation/promotion play-off.

It was actually a bright start from Heimier Hallgrimsson’s side, passing with real forward intent with Mikey Johnson and Azaz showing well on the right and through the middle, while Ryan Manning and Robbie Brady were working well on the left flank, the former playing the more advanced roll.

And it was Ireland who had the first look at goal as Manning arrived at back post to connect with Azaz’s searching cross helping it on target but lacking power.

But Bulgaria shocked the visitors and scored with their first foray into the Ireland half, and it was an incredible team goal with five players involved.

Starting out on the left as Kiril Despodov scooped a clever ball into the path of Fabian Nuernberger before Lukas Petkov and Filip Krastev linked up brilliantly with a smart backheel falling perfectly for Petkov to place it right into the corner to beat the keeper.

Caoimhín Kelleher was at full stretch to his left, but the ball clipped the inside of the post and eventually crossed the line.

Bulgaria were buoyed by the goal, putting Ireland off their game, and they came again in the 13th