The Republic of Ireland's U21s have closed the gap on group leaders Germany to three points tonight in their European Championship qualifiers. Ireland spent most of the match chasing the breakthrough, with Ryan Manning going close on several occasions. But they also rode their luck as Ilkin Murodov hit the woodwork for Azerbaijan in the closing stages. Ryan Sweeney and skipper Josh Cullen saw shots blocked and Declan Rice spurned a good chance when missing the target in the 79th minute. Murodov saw an effort hit the woodwork in the 87th minute and Manning was wayward with another chance before Yeovil defender Donnellan snatched victory for the Republic deep into stoppage time.

Source: Evening echo March 27, 2018 21:22 UTC