Losing streak finally ended

Under 21 Republic of Ireland 2 Israel 2The Republic of Ireland staged a rousing second-half comeback to end their miserable losing run, but their European Championship hopes are all but over for another campaign.

Don Givens's side were found wanting at the back early on at Longford's Flancare Park, and with just over three minutes gone an incisive move culminated in Liran Cohen curling in a cross to the far post where Moshe Ohayon headed home beyond Aston Villa goalkeeper Wayne Henderson from eight yards.

Although Ireland roused themselves and proceeded to control the first half in terms of possession, they failed to find a way through the Israeli defence.

Instead, they were caught with a sucker punch on the counter attack 10 minutes from the break, although when Robel Sarsour stumbled just as he was primed to shoot it appeared as if the chance was lost. Intuitively, though, he managed to lay the ball off to Gal Alberman and he finished with a low drive underneath the advancing Henderson.

The home side finally hit back in the 65th minute through Daryl Murphy, who celebrated his move to Sunderland with his first goal at this level. Alan Sheehan delivered a simple left-wing ball into the box where Murphy outjumped Tom Al-Madon to loop a header over the goalkeeper.

Ireland drew level in the 77th minute when Kevin Doyle tapped home from close range after Al-Madon had pushed a Jay Tabb drive into his path.

The closing stages were nearly all Ireland, with Aiden McGeady and Joey O'Brien coming close, but the visitors held on after Salem Abo Siam had been dismissed for two bookable offences in the 90th minute.

Ireland cannot now top the group as they trail leaders Israel by 10 points with only three games remaining, but they could still mathematically clinch second place and with it a play-off spot.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Henderson, Foley, Sheehan, Fitzgerald (Paisley, 46 mins), McCarthy, Whelan (Joey O'Brien, 73 mins), Bell (Doyle, 60 mins), Potter, Murphy, Tabb, McGeady. Subs not used: Kearney, McStay, Cregg, Randolph, O'Donovan. Booked: McCarthy. Goals: Murphy (65), Doyle (77).

ISRAEL: Al Madon, Keinan, Iluz, Haimovich, Abo Siam, Alberman (Amasha, 85 mins), Abutbul, Ohayon, Cohen, Azran (Yitzhaki, 64 mins), Sarsour (Baruchian, 87 mins). Subs not used: Shekel, Danin, Vermot, Shahbary. Sent off: Abo Siam (90). Booked: Abo Siam. Goals: Ohayon (4), Alberman (36).

Referee: P Kralovec (Czech Republic).