Republic of Ireland U19s 5-0 Gibraltar U19s
The Republic of Ireland U19s marched into the elite phase of the UEFA U19 Championships after a 5-0 hammering of Gibraltar in Durres, Albania.
Tom Mohan's side secured one of the two automatic qualification places for the elite phase after hosts Albania lost 3-2 against Germany on Saturday afternoon.
The Irish broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when Ronan Hale volleyed home after a scramble in the box.
Steven Kinsella, on loan at St Patrick's Athletic from Everton, added Ireland's second in the 36th minute after cutting onto his left foot and firing into the top corner.
Coventry City defender Darragh Leahy extended their lead in 79th minute after roaming forward from full-back to fire home.
Reading's Josh Barrett made it four in the 84th minute when he jinked past a couple of defenders in the box before finishing well. A minute into injury-time Leahy completed the scoring with his second of the day after he headed home from a free-kick.
"We're through which is great after two games. It's where you want to be," said Mohan.
"Today we were expected to win and were the dominant side but their keeper was very good. They threw bodies in front of the ball, blocked shots and had people clearing things off the line.
"It's great reward for the players and staff who've put a massive effort in since we came together this week.
"These lads have been fantastic in difficult circumstances. The pitches are not great for the technical players we have but they've adapted well."
Republic of Ireland U19s: Travers, Clarke (Barrett 59), Masterson, Levingston, Hale (Ronan 46), Carroll, Molumby, Leahy, O'Shea, Kinsella, O'Connor (Elbouzedi 81)
Gibraltar U19s: Banda, Crisp, Ramirez (Serra 40), Cottrel, Garcia, Hernandez, Pizarro, Clinton (Poggio 82), Prescott, Annesley, Parral (Negrette 46).
