Republic of Ireland U21s 2-3 Switzerland U21s

The Republic of Ireland blew a two-goal lead as Switzerland recorded an unlikely victory in Kilkenny on Tuesday.

Ireland raced into a 2-0 lead after just eight minutes thanks to goals by Andy Reid and Liam Miller, but a Pascal Cerrone effort before half-time gave the Swiss hope.

They then snatched victory with late goals from Alain Rochet and substitute John Vonlanthen.

Don Givens' men couldn't have asked for a better start as they took the lead after just 57 seconds.

Rifled home

Sunderland`s Thomas Butler sent Wes Houlihan clear down the right and he delivered a perfect low cross which was slotted home by Reid at the far post.

A second goal arrived in the eighth minute.

Houlihan sent Reid clear down the right with a pinpoint 50-yard pass and when the Nottingham Forest striker's cross was only half cleared, Miller rifled home from 25 yards.

Ireland's defence went to sleep in the final minutes of the half as they allowed Cerrone to head home unmarked at the far post after Daniel Gygax had broken free down the right.

Best efforts

Switzerland lifted their game in the closing 20 minutes, forcing a succession of corners whilst the home defence also lost their discipline and conceded countless free-kicks.

From one such free-kick in the 75th minute, the visitors equalised.

Gygax's inswinging cross from the right looked to be drifting to safety but Rochat headed the ball back over Murphy and into the net despite the best efforts of Clifford Byrne on the line.

The Swiss continued to dominate and they grabbed the winning goal four minutes from time when Vonlanthen scored from an acute angle.