Ireland Under-21s fell to a 2-0 friendly defeat to Scotland in the first of two friendlies in Pinatar, Spain.

An early goal from Bobby Wales and a strike 13 minutes from time from Jude Bonnar sealed the win for Scotland.

Scotland were ahead a 5th minute. A tantalising cross across the face of goal by Emilo Lawrence seemingly went in off Bobby Wales with Alex Murphy under pressure to clear.

Ireland begin to grow into the game with Franco Umeh looking a threat down the left but it would be half way through the first half Ireland got their first clear chance when Jacob Slater picked out Hakiki at the back post and the Sligo Rovers  man could only see his header flash the wrong side of the post.

Scotland then had a flurry of chances. First  Aaron Maguire produced a fine stop to deny Wales, then the Tottenham Hotspur stopper produced another smart save from Daniel Kelly following a neat corner routine.

Jack Moorhouse’s influence on the game began to grow and his sharp turn and run saw him pick out Umeh but the Palace winger’s cross was cut out before and Irish jersey could turn home.

In the second half Ireland dominated the possession but couldn’t create a clear cut chances. And it would be in the 77th minute Scotland would make them play when Jude Bonnar was allowed space on the edge of the area to find the bottom to double Scotland’s lead

Ireland had a chance to get back into the game when Darius Lipsiuc was brought down in the area. Joe Gardner stepped up but saw his penalty kick saved by Ruaridh Adams in the Scotland goal.

The young Boys in Green are back in action on Monday evening.

Ireland: Maguire (Walsh, 84’), O’Brien, Grehan (C) (Barratt, 84’), Alex Murphy, Slater, O’Brien-Whitmarsh (Lipsiuc, 77’), Mullins (Adam Murphym 84’), Moorhouse (Maher, 63’), Hakiki, Umeh (Vaughan, 63’), O’Mahony (Gardner, 63’).

Scotland: Johnson (Adams, 46’), Forrester, Donovan (Smith, 86’), Mullen (C), Anderson (Wilson, 58’), Watson, Graham (McArthur, 46’), Kelly (Bragg, 46’), Lawrence (Rice, 63’), Mebude (One, 58’), Wales

Referee: Jorge Diaz Escudero (Spain)