Ireland get last minute winner in Finland

Finland U21 0 Republic of Ireland U21 1

Jonathan Daly’s last minute strike was enough to give Ireland victory over Finland in Helsinki tonight.

Daly broke the stalemate when he latched onto a Wes Houlihan long ball and rocketed his shot into the roof of the net.

With barely three minutes on the clock, a flurry of goalmouth action eventually brought Ireland their winner.

Juho Makela looked to have put clear space between himself and the Irish defence but, just as he was about to launch his eight-yard strike, Byrne slid in with a timely block.

From the corner Hannu Haarala climbed highest to head towards goal, only for Houlahan to clear off the line.

Almost immediately, the visitors countered, Michael Doyle charging clear but seeing his snap shot blocked by advancing keeper Rahkamaa.

But, after more Finnish pressure, Houlihan launched a speculative long ball, which Jonathan Daly latched onto and drove home for the winner.