Jayson Molumby was named Man of the Match for Ireland as the Boys in Green went down 2-1 away to Scotland in the UEFA Nations League.
The Cappoquin man played a big part in the opening goal on the night in the 18th minute, keeping the ball alive from Jason Knight’s corner as he rose highest to head the ball to Nathan Collins, and John Egan was on hand to thunder the ball into the bottom left corner to give Stephen Kenny’s men a one-nil lead.
Ireland were value for that advantage early on, with the likes of Collins, Molumby and Michael Obafemi at the heart of all things positive.
Four minutes after the break, the Scots drew level when Ryan Christie got in behind down the right and his delivery was powerfully met by Jack Hendry, whose header clipped the base of the post but bounced past Gavin Bazunu.
Ireland spurned a golden opportunity to retake the lead soon after, with Michael Obafemi playing in Troy Parrott on the break - though the Preston striker scuffed his effort straight at Craig Gordon.
Molumby then threaded through Matt Doherty who jinked his way past two players before curling over, while Chiedozie Ogbene also went close when Gordon’s clearance cannoned back off him but thankfully for the home side, it went straight back to the goalkeeper.
Molumby was replaced by Alan Browne on 76 minutes, and five minutes later, Scotland went ahead went Browne was adjudged to have handled the ball from a corner, and Christie rolled the subsequent penalty down the middle past Bazunu.
Ireland fought tooth and nail for an equaliser but to no avail, ultimately leaving Hampden Park empty handed.
Speaking to RTE’s Tony O’Donoghue afterward, Molumby conceded it was a ‘disappointing’ night.
“It’s obviously disappointing. I haven’t had the chance to process the defeat. We went in 1-0 up at half time, I thought we were very comfortable, but we didn’t start quick enough in the second half and it’s ended up costing us.”
Ireland are in action again on Tuesday when they entertain Armenia at the Aviva.
