Second-half Maxwell strike pegs Irish back
It was an exciting contest with both sides having plenty chances, with Wales having a goal disallowed in the opening half for offside while Ireland’s Garbhan Coughlan was denied a hat-trick when his effort was ruled offside in the 75th minute.
Ireland finished the stronger, forcing a series of late corners but the closest they came to scoring was a Ryan McLoughlin header.
Wales made an explosive start with a goal in the opening minute, when Kristian Jenkins long throw was powered to the roof of the net by Daniel Gibbon.
Wales, who have never beaten Ireland, were on top early on as they pressed hard. However once UCD’s James Kavanagh got on top at midfield, Ireland thundered into the game and a great run in the 17th minute saw Colm Horgan provide the opening for Paul Mannion who shot inches wide.
Ireland levelled when Stephen Chambers squared the ball to Garbhan Coughlan just outside the box, and he thundered the ball to the net.
Ireland assumed complete control and took a 2-1 lead in the 30th minute when Chambers played Coughlan through and though he looked offside, Coughlan made no mistake.
Wales levelled in the 49th minute when a corner was only cleared as far as Gethin Maxwell who rifled the ball home from outside the box.
Both sides went close with Jenkins clipping the bar with a Welsh free kick and Billy Lane striking the Welsh post but a draw was about right.
Republic Of Ireland: G Murray, M Barker, C McLoughlin (R Matthews h/t), N Cooney, R McLaughlin, J Kavanagh (B Lane 77) , C Horgan (H Douglas h/t), S Chambers, G Coughlan, C Lyons (G Merritt (60) , P Mannion.
Wales: L Martin, A Biddiscombe, J Parry, K Jenkins, S Rodon, D Gibbon, J McDaid, G Maxwell (D Donohue (61), C Jones, J Dunn (Hiscock Greening h/t), R Newman.
Referee: S O’Mahoney (Kerry)
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