Ireland Men’s Under-17 lost out to Iceland 2-1 in their second game of the Telki Cup in Hungary.

All the goals came in the first half with Shamrock Rovers’ Ben Mahon equalising for Ireland after 20 minutes.

But it was two strikes either side of Mahon’s goal that would prove to the difference in sweltering heat in Telki.

Iceland were ahead early on when a cross into the box was met by the head of Roger Agnar Daðason.

Around 10 minutes later, Ireland were back level. A floated ball into the box by Ike Manjor-Georgewill enticed the Icelandic out for a catch but Mahon rose highest to head over the advancing goalkeeper for 1-1.

Iceland were back ahead 10 minutes later.  A mix-up in communication saw Ireland clear the ball into the path of Aron Daði Svavarsson who took a touch before firing home from close range.

Ireland were lucky not to be 3-1 down when Daðason raced through one-on-one with Xander Grieves but Aidan Gabbidon produced a superb last-ditch tackle to keep the deficit at one. From that moment Ireland counter attacked up the other end and had the ball in the net but Josh Harpur was adjudged to be offside.

In the second half Iceland started brightly with Daðason striking the cross bar as they looked to stretch their lead.

Mahon had his own chance in the 53^rd minute when he was put through on goal but his strike was well saved by Beic in the Iceland goal. Ireland continued to look dangerous and had most of the ball and the introduction of TJ Molloy, who netted twice against Türkiye on Tuesday, added to the attacking threat and he immediately saw his curling effort just go over the cross bar.

As Ireland looked for an equaliser Iceland were ready to hit them on the counter attack and they had Grieves to thank for it not being 3-1 as he produced a smart save to keep Ireland in it.

But it wasn’t to be for Paul Osam’s team who face the hosts Hungary in their final game on Saturday.

Iceland: Beic, Karlsson, Kristjánsson, Svavarsson (C), Hauksson, Porsteinsson, Ingimarsson, Martin, Kristinsson, Kjeld, Daðason. Substitutes: Blöndal-Petersson, Atlason, Oddgeirsson, Arnarson, Rafn Pálmason, Inölfsson, Heimisson, Garðarsson.

Ireland: Grieves, Manjor-Georgewill, Gabbidon, Prizeman, Burke (Spaight, 56’), McGrath (C) (Quigley, 76’), Murphy, Sheridan (O’Dwyer, 56’), Wuna (Molloy, 56’), Harpur (Byrne, 46’), Mahon

International Friendly Fixture/Results (kick-offs are Irish Standard Time)

Tuesday, August 12 | Ireland 2-2 Türkiye 
Thursday, August 14 | Iceland 2-1 Ireland 
Saturday, August 16 |  Hungary vs Ireland, Globall Center, Telki, Hungary, KO 5pm