Watch: Amber Barrett strikes late to keep Ireland's World Cup hopes on track

The Republic of Ireland left it late as Amber Barrett first international goal three minutes from time to seal a 2-1 victory over Slovakia.

Leanne Kiernan had given Ireland the lead 20 minutes from the end with a superb solo goal, only for an unfortunate own goal from keeper Marie Hourihan to gift the Slovaks an equaliser.

It was the first time in five World Cup qualifying games that Ireland have conceded, and the result leaves them level with the Netherlands on 13 points with the sides due to meet on Tuesday.

Kiernan's opener was a display of individual quality from the Shelbourne striker, controlling a long punt with her head before crossing in front of the defender and finishing smartly.

Ireland would have expected to close it out from there, but disaster struck when Hourihan seemed to lose track of Jana Vojtekova's cross in the glare of the sun and the ball went in off her shin.

To Ireland's credit, they never gave up, and Peamount United goalscorer Barrett showed great composure to latch onto Karen Duggan's hopeful ball and volley past Maria Korenclova, who got fingertips to it but not enough.

    About Dave Donnelly

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