Ireland keep Euro U21 play-off hopes alive after wild seven-goal Turner's Cross contest
Tommy Lonergan of the Republic of Ireland scores his side's fourth goal from a penalty. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
By the skin of their teeth, Ireland kept their Euro U21 play-off hopes alive after a wild seven-goal contest played amid yellow-warning wind and rain showers at Turner’s Cross.
Having been denied a strong penalty claim, Ireland perhaps deserved their break when granted a soft decision for Tommy Lonergan to slot the 86th-minute winner from the spot.
That nudged Ireland ahead of Slovakia into second with an extra game played. They still require either victory over England or an Andorran result against Slovakia to make the play-offs.
The Slovaks face Lee Carsley’s table-toppers on Friday before the final round of games on October 6th.
Oisín Gallagher scored with almost the last kick in Turkestan to revive Ireland’s play-off hopes in March.
With that in their minds, Kazakhstan came out and scored with almost the first kick at Turner’s Cross.
Artyom Litosh is making a name as a fast starter, having given Kazakhstan a third-minute lead against England on Friday in a 4-2 defeat.
He needed just 12 seconds here.
The striker collected Yan Trufanov’s flick-on, turned past Cathal McCarthy and Rory Finneran, and smashed a brilliant finish between Noah Jauny’s head and the crossbar.
Ireland were blessed to avoid a second concession when Trufanov was flagged for offside as he fired past Jauny. Ninety seconds later, Ireland were level.
Jamie Mullins’ low corner was met by Alex Murphy’s precise instep volley. The Kaiserslautern left-footer, who is on loan from Newcastle United, used his right to guide the ball inside the near post for his first goal at this level.
Within eight minutes, Ireland leapt ahead. Trent Kone-Doherty’s sharp link play allowed Lonergan to get in on goal.
Sherhan Kalmurza was out fast, but the ball ricocheted off the striker and into Mullins’ path.
The Wycombe Wanderers man tucked away his third goal of the qualifying campaign, pushing him one clear of Mason Melia.
But just like their clash with the English, Kazakhstan got it back to 2-2 by half-time. Litosh turned provider for a spectacular first-time finish by left-back Ramazan Karimov, who drilled into the far corner from outside the box.
Impressive playmaker Miras Omatay almost sent the visitors in ahead, only to be denied by the post.
As the conditions eased, this time it was Ireland who got the dream start after just over two minutes of play. Mullins’ corner again exposed the gaps in Kazakh marking as Sam Curtis headed, via a deflection, to the net.
But Ireland were equally susceptible at the back. They allowed Sagi Malikaidar’s long throw to bounce and captain Sultan Askarov made it 3-3 after 52 minutes.
Moments later, Ireland hit the woodwork. From Adam Brennan’s cross, Mullins planted his header onto the crossbar.
In the 72nd minute, Trent Kone-Doherty had a major penalty shout. Kalmurza’s clumsy slide went through the Molde attacker, but referee Loic Thomas, after a moment’s hesitation, signalled a free-out and booked Kone-Doherty for diving.
When the penalty came, it was very harsh on Kalmurza. He got a hand to the ball before bringing Lonergan to the ground. The Waterford marksman made no mistake by chipping down the middle.
As the visitors chased a leveller, they ended with 10 men after Litosh received a second yellow in the 95th minute for an off-the-ball incident.
Jauny; McCarthy, Grehan (Ayinde 81), Murphy; Curtis (Lipsiuc 70), Finneran (Noonan 81), Devaney, Brennan (Akachukwu 70); Mullins, Kone-Doherty; Lonergan (Okagbue 88).
Kalmurza; Malikaidar, Askarov, Turganov, Karimov (Abish 66); Mukhametkhanov (Zhumabekov 77), Nurymbet; Popov (Toktybay 66), Omatay, Trufanov (Birkurmanov 77); Litosh.
L Thomas (Luxembourg).
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