A four-goal blitz in the first half-an-hour paved the way for a 6-1 win for Ireland Men’s Under-16s in their season opener against Estonia in Drogheda this evening.

First-half goals from Cillian Tollett, Michael Noonan with two and Sam Steward had Ireland 4-1 ahead at the break before a second-half brace from Charles Akinrintayo put the gloss on an electric display by Paul Osam’s young side.

The 552 fans at Weavers Park were treated to exciting attacking play in the first of two friendlies in the town this week with Finland up next on Thursday.

But while Ireland eventually cruised to victory they had to come from behind as Estonia took a shock lead inside two minutes.

A mistake at the back saw the ball fall into the path of Karl Mägi to give the Estonian's the lead.

This sparked Ireland into life and they were back on level terms in the 13th minute. Muhammad Oladiti produced great skill to turn the defender before floating a ball for Tollet to nod home for the equaliser.

Two minutes later Ireland had a great chance to go ahead through a penalty but the prolific Noonan saw his spot kick go wide.

However, the St. Pat’s man wouldn’t be denied as he drove at the Estonia goal in the 16th minute and fired past Romet Lipson for his first international goal of the season.

In the 20th minute it was three. Sam Steward rose highest from a corner to head home and score his first international goal on a night he was named captain.

By the 29th minute it was 4-1. Noonan hit his 12th international goal in just his 17th appearance as he unleashed a low effort that found the net as Ireland began to run away with the game.

At half-time Akinrintayo was introduced and three minutes into the second period he would put Ireland 5-1 ahead when his effort was too powerful to handle for Lipson

With both sides making a multitude of changes the game lacked rhythm from the 60th minute on but as Ireland entered the final 15 minutes of the game they added a sixth when Arinkintayo profited from great work from Ramon Martos who unselfishly squared it across goal for an easy tap-in to finish the scoring.

Ireland are set to return to Weavers Park on Thursday where they’ll take on Finland.

Tickets are priced at €5 for adults and €2 for juniors and available at the stadium on match-day. Kick-off is 12pm.

Ireland: Topcu, Omozee, Steward (C) (McGrath, 63’), Sherlock (McDonagh, 63’), Hayes, Omaditi (Kovelevskis, 63’) McMahon Brown (Finneran, 82’), Martos (McDonnell, 82’), Ogbonna (Schubo Keeley 71), Noonan (Akinrintayo, 46), Tollett (O’Neill, 71)

Estonia: Lipson, Leppik (C), Gregor Allas, Korasteljov, Kesküla, Pöid, Oja, Hint, Alamaa, Mägi, Marcus Laas. Substitutes: Ristna, Kasemaa Jari, Dzemsesjuk, Káis, Pihlak, Valdmets, Dolgov, Amin Ouertaini, Paalberg, Truuväärt, Besigirkis

Referee: Dylan Redmond (Ireland)

International Friendly Fixture/Result
Tuesday, September 26 | Ireland MU16 6-1 Estonia MU16
Thursday, September 28 | Ireland MU16 v Finland MU16, Weavers Park, Drogheda, KO 12pm