Republic of Ireland impressive in Hungary win under interim boss Eileen Gleeson

PA Sport Staff

The Republic of Ireland continued to impress under interim manager Eileen Gleeson as they brushed Hungary aside 4-0 in their second Women’s Nations League match in Budapest.

Goals from Caitlin Hayes, Katie McCabe, Kyra Carusa and Denise O’Sullivan proved enough for the visitors to build on their historic 3-0 win over Northern Ireland at the weekend.

It was another superb display under Gleeson, who had nevertheless appeared to rule herself out of the running to replace former boss Vera Pauw in the pre-match build-up.

The Republic started well in what looked to be their toughest Group B test, a Heather Payne cross clipping the top of the bar before both Payne again and Carusa had chances.

Hayes, making her second start, opened the scoring in the 18th minute when she converted a superb cross from McCabe by nodding home from close range.

Arsenal star McCabe continued to impress and she doubled the Irish advantage in style four minutes before the interval, when she pounced on a half-cleared effort by whipping the ball home from 25 yards.

Gleeson’s side continued to dominate after the interval with Carusa heading home a fine cross from Payne to make it 3-0 after 49 minutes.

Carusa came close again then it was Hayes’ turn to strike the top of the bar before Carusa turned the ball back for O’Sullivan to fire into the bottom corner with 70 minutes gone.

Irish keeper Courtney Brosnan was called into action twice in the last 20 minutes but maintained her clean sheet as Gleeson’s side cruised home to a second consecutive impressive win.