Ireland Under-21s fought back twice to earn a 2-2 draw against Slovakia in Turner’s Cross, Cork.

Jamie Millins and Jad Hakiki both netted for Jim Crawford’s side in an entertaining game that saw two goals in the opening five minutes.

The draw keeps Ireland in second spot in the group and means Ireland are unbeaten at home for 11 competitive home games – a run stretching back to 2021.

Slovakia took a surprise lead when Daniel Danihel’s effort on goal deflected past Noah Jauny in the second minute.

But Ireland responded in excellent fashion when Mullins struck a fine effort from the edge of the box just two minutes later to bring his team back to parity.

The home side were on top for much of the first half with Rocco Vata seeing his attempt just fly over the bar as they looked to take the lead.

However they were hit with a sucker punch just before half-time when Nino Marcelli’s attempt took another deflection and nestled in the net for 1-2.

Ireland didn’t allow the set-back to deter them and in the second half they came out the traps and 15 minutes after the break they were back level. Adam Hrdina attempted to claim a cross, he spilled the ball into the path of Hakiki who kept his composure to fire home the equaliser.

Vata again looked threatening as he continued to drive at the Slovakia attempt but he saw his attempts miss the target.

With the game on the line Ireland were blessed with significant luck. Marcelli’s effort hit the bar, hit the back of Jauny’s head then the bar again, before dropping the right side of the goal line for Ireland and into the safety of Jauny’s hands.

In stoppage time, player of the match,  Mullins did have a final attempt on goal when his 25-yard free just went over.

Ireland: Jauny, Abankwah (C), Okagbue, Grehan, Slater, McCarthy (Noonan, 68’), Adam Murphy, Mullins, Vata (O’Mahony, 90+2’), Hakiki (Ayinde, 68’ (Kone-Doherty, 74’)), Melia

Slovakia: Hrdina, Pavek (Hrancia, 69’), Paliscak, Jakubko (C), Danhiel (Mielke, 80’), Gajdos (Murgas, 69’), Gidi, Hajovsky, Marcelli (Fiala, 90+1’), Griger (Pira, 80’), Riznec

Referee: Lionel Tschudi (Switzerland)