Republic of Ireland Men’s Under 15’s defeated Latvia 6-0 in the first of a double-header of friendlies that took place at Home Farm, Whitehall, Dublin.

Jason Donohues’ side scored three goals in each half with Charles Akrintintayo getting a brace along with a late first-half goal from Luke Chukwu. Billy O’Neill added a fourth early in the second half with two further goals from Grady McDonnell and Michael Noonan to round off an excellent performance for the Irish side.

Ireland had an early chance to open the scoring as Jaden Umeh opted to play a short free kick to Ade Solanke with his effort blocked down by Bukovskis. Umeh was to go close again as his free kick was tipped over by Mihelsons in the Latvian goal. Ireland was to make the breakthrough in 15 minutes as Akinrintayo was on hand to convert a Ramon Martos cross from the right. Ireland would continue to press with both Goodness Ogbonna and Umeh going close however both were not able to convert their chances.

Ireland was awarded a penalty as Akinrintayo was brought down in the area and he dusted himself off to convert from the spot sending Mihelsons the wrong way. Christian Coyle almost added a third moments later following a great run but his effort was saved by Mihelsons having to dive to his left to push the effort away. Ireland was to add a third goal just before half-time as a clever move that began from Sam Steward in the Irish defence found the run of Akinrintayo who then played an excellent pass to Chukwu who calmly slotted it past the keeper.

Ireland added a fourth early in the second half as second half replacement O’Neill forced home a rebound after Umeh’s initial shot was only parried by the keeper with O’Neill was on hand to slot the ball home. Cullen was forced into a save after Butriks free kick had to be stopped by the Irish netminder. Ireland was to continue to attack with Aaron Heaney and O’Neill both testing the Latvian defence but neither could add to the scoreline. O’Neill was then to force a save from Mihelsons after a clever one-two with Umeh.

Latvia were to have two chances in quick succession with Voitiskis forcing a great save from Cullen and Livcans going inches wide with his effort just going wide of the post. McDonnell was to add a fifth for Ireland as after some lovely skill from Heaney who laid an inch perfect pass to McDonnell who scored from the edge of the area.

Ireland added a sixth as McDonnell found Noonan with a quick pass and he did excellent to turn with his effort reaching the top corner. The last chance of the game fell to Martos as his free kick was initially parried by Bredijins but it was cleared on the second attempt.

Republic of Ireland: Noonan (GK) (Cullen 46), Oladiti (Heaney 46), Solanke (C), Stewart, McDonagh (McMahon Brown 60), Umeh (McDonnell 60), Martos, Akinrintayo (O’Neill 46), Ogbonna (Finneran 46), Chukwu (Noonan 46), Coyle.

Latvia: Mihelsons GK (Bredijins 63), Bukovskis, Linavskis (Ozolins 63), Dauksts (Dimpers 46), Dambis, Voitiskis, Denisovs, Doronins, Livcans, Labucks (Butriks 46), Boroviks.

Referee: Andrew Bruton