European Championship Qualifier U/21 - Republic of Ireland ... 2 Switzerland ... 3: Switzerland recovered from an early two-goal deficit to beat a hapless Republic of Ireland side at Buckley Park, Kilkenny.
Ireland had raced into a 2-0 lead after just eight minutes thanks to goals by Andy Reid and Liam Miller. But a Pascal Cerrone goal before half-time gave the Swiss hope, and late goals by Alain Rochat and substitute John Vonlanthen secured the three points.
Don Givens' side could not have asked for a better start as they took the lead after 57 seconds. Thomas Butler sent Wes Houlihan clear down the right and he delivered a low cross which was slotted home by Reid at the far post.
A second goal arrived in the eighth minute when Houlihan sendt Reid clear down the right with a pinpoint 50-yard pass. The Nottingham Forest striker's cross was only half cleared by the shaky Swiss defence to Houlihan and, when the ball broke lose, Miller rifled it home from 30 yards.
But Ireland's defence went to sleep in the final minutes of the half as they allowed Cerrone to head home unmarked.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Murphy, Thompson, Tierney, Clifford Byrne, Goodwin, Miller, Butler, Reid, Daly, Barrett, Houlihan. Subs: Michael Doyle, McGuinnes, Hunt, Roche, Paisley.
SWITZERLAND: Woelfli, Nef, Schwegler, Rochat, Senderos, Shala, Gygax, Sanou, Muff, Baumann, Cerrone.
