GLEE MASON!

Melia brace earns Under-21s opener win

- BY GARRY DOYLE

TWO goals, three points, one huge sigh of relief for Ireland Under-21 boss Jim Crawford.

Trailing for a chunk of the first half yesterday, Ireland recovered from a goal down to get a valuable win over Moldova in their opening Euro qualifier.

Mason Melia was their hero, netting twice, one in each half, each of them Lineker-esque type finishes.

He isn't renowned for that, regarded more highly for his work-ethic and link play, but here he proved he also possesses an ability to poach.

And Ireland needed that for this wasn't a good performance, poor concentration levels allowing Moldova sneak in front, after Ireland appeared to be in control.