Two late Lithuanian goals saw Ireland let a two-goal lead slip in the first of three UEFA European Under-17 Championship Qualifiers this week.

Ireland had led thanks to goals from Brody Lee and Michael Noonan but a brace from substitute Carmine Mennea saw Lithuania snatch a 2-2 draw.

Goalkeeper Alex Noonan pulled off numerous saves to eventually earn a point for Ireland as Lithuania came close to completing the comeback.

Lithuania started the game as they ended it, on the front foot and looking dangerous. Rodion Piazenko forced Alex Noonan into a smart save in the eighth minute as they showed their attacking threat.

Ireland survived the early attacks and Michael Noonan showed his intent to give his side the lead when he struck the woodwork with an effort after 22 minutes.

However, Ireland wouldn’t have to wait too long for the breakthrough. A well-worked move saw the ball drop the edge of the box and Shamrock Rovers’ Lee fired home in the 32^nd minute for 1-0.

The sides went into the break with just a goal in it, but three minutes into the second period St. Patrick Athletic’s Noonan doubled the lead with a fine strike into the top corner to give Ireland breathing room – his 24^th international goal.

Knowing that goal difference could come into play, Ireland pushed for another goal with Noonan, Billy Hayes, Jaden Umeh and Ramon Martos all threatening the Lithuanian goal.

But Lithuania weren’t about to give up, Alex Noonan pulled off three superb saves to keep them out but Mennea would find the net in the 79^th minute and again in the 84^th minute to pull his country level.

But for Noonan, Ireland could have come away with a defeat but they regroup ahead of Friday’s showdown with Northern Ireland on Friday.

Ireland: Noonan, Canny, McDonagh (C), Sherlock, Solanke, Martos (Oladiti, 78), Brown, McDonnell (Skoubo Keely, 63), Lee, Hayes (Umeh, 63), Noonan

Lithuania: Čepulis, Stankus, Grudzinakas (C), Turčinskas, Jonyla, Gustas, Pukelis, Grabauskas (Buikus, 46), Emerhi, Rakauskas (Taučas, 46), Piazenko (Mennea, 46)

Referee: Peiman Simani (Finland)

Ireland’s Group 8 UEFA European U17 Championship Qualifiers/Result

Tuesday, October 29 | Ireland 2-2 Lithuania

Friday, November 1 | Ireland v Northern Ireland, Seaview, Belfast, Northern Ireland, KO 6pm

Monday, November 4 | Scotland v Ireland, Inver Park, Larne, Northern Ireland, KO 3pm