Ireland U21 fall to classier Serbia

Ireland U-21 1, Serbia U-21 3: Ireland’s U21 Euro campaign ended on a losing note last night, despite Noel King’s troops taking the lead at the Waterford RSC against a classy Serbian outfit.

Five losses in their previous nine games left Ireland out of the reckoning to reach a first ever tournament, but they threw Serbia’s bid to secure a play-off spot into doubt through a first international goal for Courtney Duffus four minutes into the second half.

A side dominated by their Under-20 World Cup champions was always likely to respond and despite Ireland goalkeeper Liam Bossin saving from the penalty spot, Serbia bagged a brace in three minutes midway through the second half and added a third in the closing stages to kill the tie.