It's been a great start to the UEFA U21 qualification campaign for Noel King's U21 side as seven points from the first three matches saw Ireland on top of the group before kick-off against Israel on Monday.
With Germany in second having won their two opening games, Ireland would have wanted a bright start when Israel visited Tallaght Stadium, but few could have dreamt a better start than what actually materialised.
QPR striker Reece Grego-Cox was in the right place at the right time to tuck home a super cross from Ryan Manning, just 35 seconds after kick-off.
Here's the goal from @reececox9 that has put the #IRLU21s ahead @tallaghtstadium. Live now on eir Sport 1! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/ujeDRLXwcv
— eirSport (@eirSport) October 9, 2017
As good as that early goal was, what is far more encouraging is that an Ireland side did not immediately entrench themselves in their own box for the 30 minutes after it.
Everton midfielder Harry Charsley put Ireland 2-0 up in the 34th minute after some good work from Grego-Cox:
36: #IRLU21s 2-0 Israel U21.
Another fine goal from @FAIreland as @Everton midfielder @harrycharsley fires home. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/dwd9mre1jH— eirSport (@eirSport) October 9, 2017
And it got better!
It was 3-0 from the penalty spot as Grego-Cox got his name on the scoresheet again minutes later:
And the third for @FAIreland as @reececox9 slots home from the penalty spot. What a performance from Noel King's men! #COYBIG #IRLU21s pic.twitter.com/KMKztt5iGr
— eirSport (@eirSport) October 9, 2017
There are a lot of promising players is this Ireland U21 squad, and after such an encouraging start there is a real belief that they can reach the UEFA U21 Championships, so lets hope the good form continues.
