THE IRISH UNDER-23 side gave themselves a real chance of qualifying for the semi-finals of the International Challenge Trophy with a 1-0 win away against Estonia last night in Talinn.

The under-23 side, comprised wholly of domestic-based players, lost their first match against England but were able to come away from Estonia with a win thanks to a starring performance from Shaun Williams.

Williams began as he meant to continue, thundering a 25-yard shot off the crossbar after just ten minutes. The Sporting Fingal midfielder was the undoubted star, almost turning provider on twenty-three minutes when he found the head of Fingal team-mate with a cross.

Just four minutes before half-time, Ireland at last made good on their dominance. Billy Dennehy drafted a corner high across goal, Kenny Browne headed the ball back across goal and Williams was left to tap the ball in.

Estonia tried to force their way into the match in the second half, but ultimately Williams’ goal was enough to earn Paul Doolin’s side a valuable win.

Estonia: Sergei Lepmets, Markus Jurgenson, Taoijo Teniste, Igor Motozov, Aleksei Jahimovits, Eino Puri, Andero Pebre, Siim Luts, Henri Anier (Ken Kallaste, h/t), Tanel Votti (Albert Taar, 74 mins.), Artjom Dmitrijev (Andre Frolov, 62 mins.)

Substitutes not used: Stanislav Pedok, Andrei Veis, Andres Koogas, Siim Tenno

Republic of Ireland: Robert Duggan, Seamus Conneely, Conor Powell (Capt.), Kenny Browne, Garry Breen, Shane Duggan, Daniel Kearns (David McMillan, 89 mins.), Shaun Williams, Graham Cummins, Greg Bolger, Billy Dennehy

Substitutes not used: Paul Skinner, Paul Corry, Ross Gaynor, Paddy Madden, Gary McCabe, Enda Stevens

Referee: Eiko Saar (EST)