Ireland recorded their second win of their UEFA Nations League B campaign with an Evan Ferguson header and a Caoimhin Kelleher penalty save proving decisive in a 1-0 victory over Finland at the Aviva Stadium.
Ferguson rose highest just before half time to power home an inviting cross from left winger Mikey Johnston.
Ireland’s goal ended an exciting first half that saw both seems threaten to score on a number of occasions.
Finland will have been frustrated to trail at the break after hitting Kelleher’s right-hand post twice, the second time via a crucial block from Nathan Collins.
At the other end, Sammie Szmodics thought he had given Ireland the lead midway through the half after rounding the goalkeeper but he was flagged offside.
Ireland started the second half brightly before the visitors began to dominate proceedings. While they didn’t go as close as when striking the woodwork in the opening period, Finland had Ireland hanging on as they piled on the pressure. With 15 minutes to go Finland were handed a golden chance to take the lead after VAR ruled that Ferguson handled the ball in the box.
However, Liverpool shot-stopper Kelleher made a brilliant stop to deny Joel Pohjanpalo from the spot. Finland pressed hard for an equaliser afterwards but the Boys in Green were able to hold out and record a second victory under new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson.