Scotland Under-21s lost 3-1 to their Republic of Ireland hosts in a friendly international at Galway's Terryland Park. ROI went ahead in the 11th minute thanks to a Kevin Foley's corner which found the head of John Fitzgerald, who nodded the ball past Craig Samson. However, Scotland drew level just two minutes later as Celtic striker Craig Beattie powered into the area on the left and drilled his shot past Wayne Henderson. Twenty minutes in Ireland went back in front as Glenn Whelan's free-kick was headed home by Paddy McCarthy from close range.
Twelve minutes before the break it was 3-1 as Liam Kearney crossed from the right side for Fitzgerald to bullet a header past the stranded Samson for his second of the game. Kris Boyd fired an effort into the sidenetting soon after the restart, after a host of half-time substitutions. Just before the hour Boyd headed straight at sub keeper Brian Murphy as Scotland pushed forward again. However, in the closing stages Foley and Daryl Murphy went close to extending the margin of victory, as Ireland ran out deserved winners.
Republic of Ireland U21: Henderson, Kelly, Capper, Fitzgerald, McCarthy, Whelan, Foley, Potter, Daryl Murphy, Tabb, Kearney
Subs: Brennan, O'Brien, Dillon, Zayed, Brain Murphy, Foley-Sheridan, Dehan
Scotland U21: Samson, Lawson, Lappin, Dowie, Robertson, McCunnie, Wilson, Morrison, Boyd, Prunty, Beattie
Subs: Smith, Fotheringham, Sweeney, Murray, Turner
Referee: Stefan Johannesson (Sweden)
