Parrott's double outshines protests as Molumby features in Austria draw
Ireland's Jayson Molumby with Maximilian Wöber of Austria during their UEFA Nations League clash at the Aviva Stadium. Photo: INPHO
Waterford midfielder Jayson Molumby played his part for the Republic of Ireland after coming off the bench in Thursday night's 2-2 UEFA Nations League draw with Austria at the Aviva Stadium, but the evening ultimately belonged to two-goal hero Troy Parrott, whose brilliance ensured the football remained the main story despite disruptions caused by protests in the first half.
Ireland looked on course for a significant victory after producing an excellent opening 45 minutes under Heimir Hallgrímsson. Parrott's stunning individual opener and a well-taken penalty just before the break gave the hosts a deserved 2-0 lead and had supporters dreaming of a result that would move Ireland to the top of Nations League Group B3.
The game was twice interrupted before half-time. Play was briefly halted when tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch, while a pitch invader also brought proceedings to a temporary stop. However, despite the off-field controversy, Parrott's superb display ensured the football remained front and centre in Dublin.
Despite the interruptions, the atmosphere inside the Aviva Stadium remained positive throughout the evening. A crowd of 45,784 turned out in the capital and repeatedly got behind Hallgrímsson's side, roaring them forward as they produced an impressive first-half display. The supporters responded enthusiastically to Ireland's quick, attacking football, with Parrott's spectacular opener sparking one of the loudest celebrations of the night and helping ensure the focus remained firmly on the action on the pitch rather than the incidents that briefly halted play.
The striker's first goal was a moment of real quality. Collecting possession just inside the Austrian half Parrott weaved his way through defenders before firing beyond the goalkeeper. It was the type of goal that immediately lifted the atmosphere inside the stadium and gave Ireland the perfect platform.
Ireland continued to threaten and were rewarded again on the stroke of half-time when Parrott converted from the penalty spot to double the advantage. At that stage Hallgrímsson's side looked comfortable, organised and well capable of seeing out the contest against one of the group's strongest opponents.
Hallgrímsson admitted afterwards that he was delighted with much of what he witnessed before the interval.
"Obviously we were happy to be 2-0 up at half-time," the Ireland manager said.
"The first half was good, the organisation was good, we know we can do this."
Molumby was introduced in the 63rd minute in place of Adam Idah as Ireland sought to inject fresh energy into the contest and maintain control against an Austrian side increasing the tempo.
However, the visitors gradually gained momentum and changed the complexion of the game through the impact of their substitutes. Alexander Prass reduced the deficit in the 71st minute before fellow replacement Michael Gregoritsch levelled matters six minutes later as Ireland's grip on the contest loosened.
While disappointed to see his side surrender a two-goal cushion, Hallgrímsson felt the demanding circumstances surrounding the international window had taken a toll on his squad.
"I felt like we just lost organisation, probably due to tiredness, and then you start to make mistakes," he said.
"That was something that we were obviously not happy with, but the first half was good, the organisation was good."
The Icelander also pointed to the physical and mental demands placed on the players throughout the week.
"I kind of expected us to get out of gas at some point, but maybe not so quickly," he explained.
"This week has been not only physically difficult, it's been mentally difficult and that takes a lot of energy as well."
Despite dropping two points, Hallgrímsson reserved special praise for Parrott, whose performances for club and country continue to underline his growing importance to the national team.
"I haven't seen my team score a goal like this. It was absolutely brilliant, individual brilliance," Hallgrímsson said of the striker's opening goal.
"He has been absolutely fantastic for us the last one or two years. He's flying at the moment."
In the end there was a mixture of frustration and encouragement for Ireland. The collapse from 2-0 ahead prevented them from taking maximum points, but the quality shown during the opening period, allied to another influential display from Parrott and a valuable contribution from substitute Molumby, offered plenty of reasons for optimism moving forward.
