A Mason Melia double steered Ireland to a 2-1 victory away to Moldova in their opening game of the Under-21 EURO Qualifiers.

A goal in each half from the St. Patrick’s Athletic marksman was enough to earn Jim Crawford’s team the three points in Nisporeni.

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Ireland found themselves a goal down midway through the first half when a long ball caught out the Ireland backline and Mihai Lupan was fastest to react and netted the opener.

This sparked Ireland into life and in the 36^th minute they were back in it. Jad Hakiki was able to make the interception and he burst down the right before squaring for Melia to score from close range.

Just before half time they could have made it 2-1 but Mark O’Mahony was unlucky not to steer his header on target.

In the second half Ireland were lucky not to go 2-1 down. Twice Moldova struck the cross bar in quick succession as they looked to restore their lead.

Ireland soon went on the front foot, Vata found space in front of goal to fire off an attempt that went narrowly wide then in the 68^th minute he danced into the area and saw his attempt just clear the ba as pressure mounte on the Moldovan goal.

And with 15 minutes left on the clock Melia got his second. Harry Vaughan showed great tenacity to win the ball and dribble into the penalty area and he put it on a plate for Melia to tap home for two.

The goal was the Wicklow native’s third goal for the Under-21s in two appearances and it would prove to be the winner.

Jim Crawford’s team now head to Tallaght Stadium for Tuesday’s game against Andorra looking to make it back-to-back wins.

Moldova: Dumenco, Forov, Gospodinov (Obleac, 46’), Dijinari, Gheradimencov, Costin (Cozma, 72’), Pascaluta, Bitca (Creciun, 85’), Rotaru, Botan (Luchita, 72’), Lupan (Lupascu, 85’)

Ireland: Jauny, Devaney, Abankwah, Grehan, Slater, Adam Murphy (Lipsiuc, 83’), Mullins, Vata (Noonan, 83’), Hakiki, O’Mahony (Vaughan, 66’), Melia

A goal in each half from the St. Patrick’s Athletic marksman was enough to earn Jim Crawford’s team the three points in Nisporeni.