Ireland Men’s Under-19 were held to 2-2 draw against Croatia in the second of three friendlies in this international window.

 Second half goals from Niall McAndrew and Nickson Okosun looked to have given Ireland a deserved come-from-behind win, but the hosts levelled with the last kick of the game to break Irish hearts.

Having drawn with Greece by the same scoreline just a few days previous, Head Coach Tom Mohan rang the changes as expected and his relatively new look side started well earning a corner and moving the ball sharply.

But disaster struck as they fell behind with three minutes gone when Austrian born Oliver Lukic put serious pressure on Sligo Rovers’  Thomas Morley, eventually winning the ball before slotting past Marcus Gill.

But despite the early set back, Ireland continued to look excellent in possession against quality opposition.

Daniel Isichei also looked threatening with his power and pace helping him get in behind. The Birmingham City man dragged a shot just wide as Ireland looked to hit back instantly.

The pressure was building from the visitors and following another free flowing move, the ball eventually made its way out to Luke Kehir on the left, and the St. Patrick’s Athletic man showed quick feet to cut inside on to his right foot and hit a brilliant effort that was somehow equalled by Raul Bezeljak, who tipped over as the ball looked destined for the back of the net.

Aside from the early concession, the Irish youngsters looked assured at the back, coping with what came their way and continuing to look dangerous going forward.

And in the 54th minute they finally got their deserved equaliser. Niall McAndrew controlled a high ball beautifully and curled a delightful effort from just inside the area to the far corner.

With 20-minutes remaining, and sensing a winner, Ireland’s triple substitution almost paid immediate dividends when Cory O’Sullivan burst down the left-hand side and delivered yet another dangerous low cross that was eventually smothered by the keeper.

With just six minutes remaining, the talented Irish side got themselves in front when Cathal O’Sullivan pressed high to steal the ball and, having been played through, showed great vision to square early to Bohemian’s front man Nickson Okuson. He finished expertly low from the edge of the box to grab what looked like the winner.

But with just seconds remaining the home side got the a corner, kept the ball alive during an almighty goalmouth scramble to prod home and snatch a draw.

Tom Mohan’s young guns will now look forward to rounding off their all preparation with another tough looking game with Mexico on Tuesday morning at 9am Irish time.

Croatia: Raul Bezeljak, Ante Susak, Ante Utrobicic, Leo Rimac, Jakov Bilajak, Noa Mikic, Simon Butic, Tomas Bakovic, Luke Hodak, Marko Zebic, Oliver Lukic

Ireland: Marcus Gill, Jacob Devaney, Cathal McCarthy, Thomas Morley (Daniel McGrath 79), Matthew Kiernan (Naj Razi 70), Freddie Turley, Luke Kehir (Cory O’Sullivan 70), Aaron Ochoa Moloney, Niall McAndrew (Romeo Akachukwu 79), Daniel Isichei (Cathal O’Sullivan 70), Nickson Okosun

Referee: Ivan Santic (Croatia)

Report by Darryl Gerraghty