Ireland Men’s Under-21s produced an excellent away performance against Slovakia to close the gap on the play-off place to two points after goals from Waterford’s Tommy Lonergan and captain Sean Grehan.

In an entertaining clash between the sides the young Boys in Green were aided by a penalty save by Noah Jauny at 1-0 that ensured Ireland left Košice with all three points.

The win now set-ups a huge game with Kazakhstan on Tuesday evening in Cork at the Munster FA Turners Cross Stadium.

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Ireland made a blistering start when Trent Kone-Doherty’s cross was glanced in by Lonergan who scored his first Under-21s goal.

Sam Curtis almost doubled the lead a minute later when his low drive was tipped around the post by Adam Hrdina.

Ireland continue their front foot approach Mullins, Lonergan and Kone-Doherty were in a three on two situation but with an opportunity to fire at goal arose, the danger was snuffed out by the Slovakian defence.

Just before the half-hour mark Slovakia had a chance to get back in it. Curtis brought down Nino Marcelli for a penalty. Marcelli stepped up to take the kick himself but his well struck penalty was denied by Jauny. The follow up from Matej Riznic struck the post and Ireland cleared their lines.

Marcelli had another close chance five minutes later. A cross fell to him on the edge of the box and with all the goal to aim for he struck his effort wide.

In the second half Ireland had more control of the game but the game that would kill off the game as a contest came from the captain, Grehan. He rose highest to a Jamie Mullins corner to head home and give Ireland a two-goal advantage.

Kone Doherty and Michael Noonan both had chances late on to add a third, but Jim Crawford’s side can go into their game against Kazkahstan at the Munster FA Turners Cross Stadium full of confidence following a positive performance.

Slovakia: Hrdina, Hranica (Pavek 60), Mielke, Pališčák, Okál, Sauer (Sovič 74), Chyla (Hájovský 60), Gajdoš (Maroš 67), Riznič, Pira (Mikulaj 60), Marcelli.

Ireland: Jauny, Curtis, McCarthy, Grehan, Murphy Brennan, Finneran, Devaney (Gallagher 75); Kone-Doherty (Ayinde 86), Mullins (Akachukwu 75), Lonergan (Noonan 67).

TICKETS AVAILABLE HEREReferee: Viktor Kopiievskyi (Ukraine)