Robinson gives Irish cause to celebrate

Brian Kerr's youths showed admirable resolve as they simply refused to lose this UEFA Under-18 qualifier in Hustopece, Czech Republic; twice coming from behind to win with a goal in the final minute from Gerard Robinson.

Alas, it was a second consolation win for Kerr's under-18s as the Czech Republic had already won this qualifying tournament.

Ireland fell behind on 20 minutes when a delightful ball clipped over the Irish defence by their playmaker, Alexandr Mladenov, carved Ireland open and Georgi Androiov nipped in to slide the ball beyond Wayne Henderson for the Bulgarians' lead.

Having slowly regained their rhythm, Ireland equalised on 42 minutes following an excellent move involving Andy Reid, Joe Gamble and Robert Doyle, who crossed, for Brian Cash to volley home. Both teams had a player sent-off by the fussy Georgian referee. Ireland's David van Zanten was the first to go for an innocuous challenge on Anton Kostadinov on 71 minutes. Four minutes later the languid Mladenov joined him after retaliating to a tap from behind from Cash.

In a further twist, the Bulgarians again snatched the lead on 81 minutes - Yanko Valkanov showing good balance to weave through the Irish defence and shoot home.

Unbowed, Ireland hit back on 86 minutes with the goal of the game from Cash, the game's most influential player. The Nottingham Forest winger cut in from the left side to unleash a terrific right-foot drive that gave Vihren Uzunov no chance.

Cash was then fittingly instrumental in Ireland's winner on 89 minutes when his cross was headed in from close range by Robinson to give Ireland their just reward.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Henderson (Aston Villa); Brennan (Newcastle United), Byrne (Sunderland), Tierney (Manchester United), Murray (Blachburn Rovers); Thornton (Tranmere Rovers), Gamble (Reading), Field (Arsenal); Cash (Nottingham Forst), Doyle (Blackbur n Rovers), Reid (Nottingham Forest). Subs: van Zanten (Celtic) for Field (half-time), McNamara (Nottingham Forest) for Doyle (70 mins.), Robinson (Middlesbrough) for Reid (81 mins.).