Ireland Men’s Under-19s produced a superb 4-0 performance against Azerbaijan to earn their first win in the first round of U19 EURO Qualifiers.

Nickson Okosun opened the scoring in the first half before a stunning strike by Aaron Ochoa Moloney early in the second period put Ireland in command. Stanley Ashbee and Cian Dillon added to the scoring to top off a commanding performance for Tom Mohan’s team.

Having drawn 0-0 in their opening game against the hosts Moldova, Ireland knew nothing but a win would give them a chance of qualification heading into game three against Iceland.

And they couldn’t have wished for a better start, when Okosun finished from close range after seven minutes following good wide play from Ochoa Moloney.

Ten minutes later Okosun had a penalty shout waved away when he appeared to be brought down when he was through on goal as Ireland looked to double their lead.

Captain Freddie Turley saw his effort flash just wide when Ireland worked a smart short corner that allowed the defender to get free.

It was all Ireland and it was Dillon’s turn to try his luck and he forced a fine save from Mammadzada after Okosun held up the ball and laid it off to strike partner to get his shot away.

Ireland would go close again to doubling their lead when the bright Ochoa Moloney was allowed space to cut in and fire at goal – his effort just flashing past the post.

However five minutes into the second half Ochoa Moloney wouldn’t be denied. The Malaga midfielder picked up the ball on the edge of the area, sized up his man before finding the top right corner with a sweet curling effort.

Stanley Ashbee would make it 3-0 with 70 minutes gone when Ochoa Moloney’s corner beat everyone, struck the inside of the post and Ashbee was on hand to turn it over the line.

Dillon would make it 4-0 when he flicked home a header from a Trent Kone-Doherty cross as they pushed for more goals to top the group.

It would end that way and puts Ireland in a strong position heading into their clash with Iceland on Tuesday afternoon.

Ireland: Gill, Grante (McCarthy, 83’), Turley (C), Ashbee, Keogh, Akachukwu (Patton, 83’), Morley, Ochoa Moloney (McAndrew,76’) , Orazi (Cathal O’Sullivan, 46’), Dillon, Okosun (Kone Doherty, 76’)

Azerbaijan: Mammadzada, Huseynov, Mammadii, Feyziyez (Aliyev, 46’, Binyatzada (Orujov, 46’), Jabrayilzade, Nazaril (Jafarli, 81’), Dunyamailyev (Ibrahimov, 46’), Mammadov (Alakbarli, 67’),  Ahmadzada, Orujail

Referee: Miloš Milanović (Serbia)

Ireland’s UEFA European Under-19  Championship Qualifiers / Results (All kick-offs are Irish time)

Wednesday, November 13 | Ireland 0-0 Moldova
Saturday, November 16 | Ireland 4-0 Azerbaijan
Tuesday, November 19 | Iceland v Ireland, Zimbru 2, Chisinau, Moldova, KO 11:00