The Ireland U19 team began their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a win this evening against Bosnia & Herzegovina. The final score was 3-1 to Tom Mohan's side with goals from Will Ferry, Adam Idah and a Troy Parrott paneka penalty sealing the win.
Ireland were made to work for their goals, with the scores locked 0-0 at the break. The breakthrough would eventually come in the 56th minute, Southampton's Will Ferry scoring after a delightful through ball by Conor Coventry put the youngster through to finish powerfully into the roof of the net.
Tottenham's Troy Parrott would double his side's advantage moments later, cheekily dinking over the keeper after Jack James was felled in the box:
On his first competitive appearance for #IRLU19 Troy Parrott not only took responsibility for taking a penalty, he did this....
Full highlights: https://t.co/a8ZsBP1Gf1 #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/VV7jQNHBr1
— FAIreland ⚽️?? (@FAIreland) October 10, 2018
Norwich striker Adam Idah rounded off the scoring for the Republic, dribbling into the box before sending the keeper the wrong way to put his side 3-0 up.
Bosnia did pull a goal back through a deflected free kick but it was a mere consolation as Ireland made the perfect start to their European Championship qualification.
After the match manager Tom Mohan said it was essential to get off to a good start in the Qualifying Round:
It was a very important win. Bosnia and Herzegovina proved to be very tough opponents. They had us under pressure early on, but once we seen that out, we got a grip of the game.
There was some great finishes from our players. The goals came at important times. Their goal left things edgy in the final minutes, but we were well deserving of the win.
You can watch highlights of the match below:
Ireland will face the Faroe Islands this Saturday for their next qualifier and the Netherlands the following Tuesday with both matches to be played at Longford's City Calling Stadium.
