REECE GREGO-COX hit a hat-trick, as the Irish U21 side coasted to a 4-0 win over Israel in their European Championship qualifier at Tallaght Stadium this afternoon.
The victory consolidates Ireland’s position at the top of Group 5, after they retained their unbeaten record with a 0-0 draw against Norway last Thursday.
Ireland opened the scoring after just 36 seconds, as Grego-Cox converted a low cross from clubmate Ryan Manning.
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The Irish side continued to dominate thereafter. On 21 minutes, Grego-Cox had a glorious opportunity from close range, though he failed to properly connect with Harry Charsley’s cross.
Charsley then doubled Ireland’s advantage on 35 minutes. Grego-Cox’s cross was helped on by Josh Cullen, allowing the Everton youngster to finish clinically.
Moments later, the game was effectively all over, as Ireland added a third. After Israel stopper Omri Glazer took Ronan Curtis down inside the box, Grego-Cox coolly slotted home the ensuing spot kick.
Noel King’s side added further gloss on the scoreline in the second half, as Grego-Cox completed his hat-trick.
A Manning corner was only half cleared, and the striker was on hand to convert from close range, after Glazer could only parry Curtis’ shot into his path.
Ireland could have added to their advantage subsequently. Ryan Manning was denied what looked a clear penalty, as he appeared to be impeded after being sent through by Grego-Cox.
The lively Manning was in a confident mood, as highlighted by his attempt to lob the goalkeeper from the halfway line on 82 minuets.
A fifth goal wasn’t forthcoming, though it mattered little, as Ireland celebrated a third win from four their opening four qualifying games.
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Watch: QPR youngster hits hat-trick as Ireland U21s maintain unbeaten start to qualifying
REECE GREGO-COX hit a hat-trick, as the Irish U21 side coasted to a 4-0 win over Israel in their European Championship qualifier at Tallaght Stadium this afternoon.
The victory consolidates Ireland’s position at the top of Group 5, after they retained their unbeaten record with a 0-0 draw against Norway last Thursday.
Ireland opened the scoring after just 36 seconds, as Grego-Cox converted a low cross from clubmate Ryan Manning.
The Irish side continued to dominate thereafter. On 21 minutes, Grego-Cox had a glorious opportunity from close range, though he failed to properly connect with Harry Charsley’s cross.
Charsley then doubled Ireland’s advantage on 35 minutes. Grego-Cox’s cross was helped on by Josh Cullen, allowing the Everton youngster to finish clinically.
Moments later, the game was effectively all over, as Ireland added a third. After Israel stopper Omri Glazer took Ronan Curtis down inside the box, Grego-Cox coolly slotted home the ensuing spot kick.
Noel King’s side added further gloss on the scoreline in the second half, as Grego-Cox completed his hat-trick.
A Manning corner was only half cleared, and the striker was on hand to convert from close range, after Glazer could only parry Curtis’ shot into his path.
Ireland could have added to their advantage subsequently. Ryan Manning was denied what looked a clear penalty, as he appeared to be impeded after being sent through by Grego-Cox.
The lively Manning was in a confident mood, as highlighted by his attempt to lob the goalkeeper from the halfway line on 82 minuets.
A fifth goal wasn’t forthcoming, though it mattered little, as Ireland celebrated a third win from four their opening four qualifying games.
Republic of Ireland: O’Hara (GK), Kane, Whelan, Donnellan, Sweeney, Cullen (C), Rice (Shaughnessy 77), Charsley (Quigley 80), Grego-Cox (Mulraney 69), Manning, Curtis.
Subs not used: Bossin (GK), Kinsella, Ronan, Delaney.
Israel: Glazer (GK), Meir, Ben David, Ghantus (Gamoun 11, (Nahmias 70)), Bitton, Plakushchenko, Peretz (C), Weissman, Solomon, Nassar, Barshazky.
Subs: Hasson (GK), Hozez, Cohen, Awwad, Avraham.
Referee: Fedayi San (SUI)
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Kieran O'Hara Noel King Report Ireland Republic Israel U21