Ireland U21s lose 2-0 to Scotland in Spain

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 football team lost 2-0 to Scotland in a friendly match held in Spain. The game took place at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia. Scotland took the lead early in the match. Bobby Wales scored the first goal just five minutes in, capitalizing on a mistake by the Irish defense. Jude Bonnar added the second goal in the 77th minute, following a blocked shot from a teammate. Ireland had a chance to score late in the game. In the 88th minute, they were awarded a penalty after Darius Lipsiuc was fouled in the box. However, Joe Gardner's shot was saved by Scotland's goalkeeper, Ruairidh Adams. Head coach Jim Crawford gave debuts to two young players, Jack Moorehouse from Manchester United and Franco Umeh from Crystal Palace. St Patrick's Athletic forward Mason Melia was not included in the squad due to precautionary reasons. The Irish team will focus on their next game against Hungary, scheduled for Monday at the same venue.