Two goals from Jaden Umeh earned Ireland Men’s Under-17s a 2-0 win over Elite Phase hosts Poland.

The Benfica striker struck twice in six minutes to earn Colin O’Brien’s team three points but the young Boys in Green require a result against Iceland to stand any chance of reaching the European Championships and the Under-17s World Cup.

Ireland had been the better of the two teams and it was former Cork City forward Umeh who caused the hosts multiple problems. From as early as the seventh minute he forced Jakub Zielinski into a smart save to deny Ireland a great start.

Just after the half-hour mark Umeh struck the post after showing great strength to hold off his defender and to get a head on goal.

It was Umeh who went closest again in the second half again Zielinski thwarted the Irish striker from close range.

But the game would turn during a six minute period. Charles Akinrintayo picked up a loose ball and his sharp pass found Umeh who ran in on goal and slotted home for 1-0 in the 71^st minute.

Then a few minutes later it was Akinrintayo the provider again. This time shielding the ball and playing a slide rule pass for Umeh to chase. The Cork man composed himself rounded the goalkeeper before finishing in style to seal the game for a 2-0 win.

Next up is Iceland on Tuesday afternoon.  

Poland: Zielinski, Szywata, Lauryn, De Jongh, Falkewicz (Sledzinski, 88’), Karmelita (Lis-Zielinski, 88’), Mozie, Dudek (C) (Gmur, 46’), Prajsnar, Czerniatowicz, Skorb (Delikat, 66’)

Ireland: Noonan, Canny, McDonagh, Leonard, Sherlock, Finneran (C), O’Neill (Akinrintayo, 57’), Brown, Hayes, Martos, Umeh (Tollett, 82’)

UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite Round Qualifiers/Results

Wednesday, March 19 | Belgium 1-0 Ireland, 
Saturday, March 22 |  Poland 0-2 Ireland,
Tuesday, March 25  | Iceland v Ireland, Stadion Miejski im. Karola Kucharskiego, Gryfice, Poland, KO 13:00 (Irish time)