SOCCER EUROPEAN UNDER-19 ELITE PHASE:Republic of Ireland 0 England 1

THE REPUBLIC of Ireland side were narrowly defeated by England in the opening game of the Uefa elite qualifying phase in Kiev yesterday. The winning goal was struck in the 37th-minute by Dean Parrett, but it was the Irish side that controlled the game for large periods and will feel unlucky.

Seán McCaffrey’s team started the stronger and had the game’s first opportunity after nine minutes when Conor Henderson fed the ball to Manchester United’s Robbie Brady on the left wing, but his powerful shot went just to the left of Declan Ruud’s goal.

England’s goal came from a free-kick from Tottenham Hotspur’s Parrett when Wolves defender John Dunleavy was adjudged to have fouled Philip Jones just at the edge of Ireland’s box.

Parrett made no mistake from 20 yards as his stunning shot hit the underside of the crossbar and nestled into the back of the net, giving Mervue United goalkeeper Ger Hanley no chance.

McCaffrey’s side take on defending European champions Ukraine – who yesterday defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 – tomorrow in a must-win game for the Irish if they are to retain their hopes of qualification to the Uefa Championship finals this summer.

The Republic of Ireland then play Bosnia-Herzegovina next Monday.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND:Ger Hanley (Mervue Utd), Richard Towell (Celtic), John Dunleavy (Wolves), Seán McGinty (Man Utd), Shane McEleney (Derry City), Conor Hourihane (Sunderland), Conor Clifford (Chelsea), Ronan Murray (Ipswich Town), Conor Henderson (Arsenal), Robert Brady (Man Utd), Harrison Crawford (Southend Utd). Subs:Daniel Kearns (West Ham) for Murray (46 mins), James Keohane (Wexford Youths) for Henderson (86 mins), Karl Sheppard (Galway Utd) for Crawford (46 mins).

Referee:Liran Liany (Israel).