Bulgaria U-19 1 Republic of Ireland U-19 1
Mark Yeates scored a crucial goal three minutes into injury time to earn the Republic of Ireland Under-19's a draw in their first game of the European Championship qualifiers against Bulgaria in San Marino today.
Yeates hammered the ball home after controlling a Willo Flood cross from the right wing to rescue a point for Ireland in what was a frustrating and physical game for Sean McCaffrey's men.
Defences were largely on top throughout the game with Bulgaria's sportsmanship ensuring that the game never really flowed with plenty of frees awarded.
It was the Bulgarians who started the stronger and they deservedly took the lead with a powerful shot from the edge of the area in the 23rd minute through Hristo Zladinski, but once in front, they played cautiously and handed the initiative to Ireland.
But despite Ireland having plenty of possession they were unable to find the break through with Yeates and Flood well marshalled by the Bulgarians. However, the introduction of winger Alan O'Brien and striker Gary Mulligan gave Ireland extra impetuous and following the dismissal of Severin Mustafa in stoppage time for a second booking, Ireland exerted full punishment when Yeates hammered home.
Manager McCaffrey said: "It's a game I think we could have won in the second half, but leaving it so late, I am happy to take a draw. It keeps us in it. It was vital we didn't lose the first game."
Ireland will now play San Marino on Saturday before facing Lithuania on Monday and, with two teams to qualify for the second phase, they will be confident of progressing.
Team:Murphy (Leicester City); O'Mahony (Limerick), McStay (Leeds United), Deans (Derby County), Fullerton (Livingstone); Flood (Manchester City), Yeates (Tottenham Hotspur), Cregg (Arsenal), Foley-Sheridan (Aston Villa); Quigley (Millwall), Ward (Bohemians).
Subs:O'Brien (Newcastle United) for Ward (45 mins), Mulligan (Wolverhampton Wanderers) for Quigley (66 mins).