Ireland held by Israel as Peretz cancels out Parrott penalty in Serbia

The Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with Israel in the Nations League on Sunday, surrendering a half-time lead in their designated home fixture in Serbia. The Echo reported that the result leaves Ireland third in League B Group 3, with matches against Austria and Kosovo still to come in November. Troy Parrott scored Ireland's goal before Dor Peretz equalised.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23Wf8eGspCY

Playing their third match in eight days, Ireland made four changes from the side that drew with Austria, according to The Echo. James Abankwah was suspended and Dara O'Shea was absent, while Jake O'Brien and Jimmy Dunne came into the defence. Jason Knight played at right wing-back, with Jayson Molumby taking a midfield role as Ireland sought to supply Parrott and Adam Idah.

Ireland's breakthrough came after Israel goalkeeper Assaf Tzur stopped a Parrott effort and Dunne tried to reach the rebound. Flashscore reported that Peretz fouled Dunne, with a VAR review resulting in a penalty. Parrott converted to give Ireland the advantage before the interval. Earlier, Tzur had saved an Idah shot, while Caoimhin Kelleher had been called upon to deal with an effort from Liel Abada.

Peretz made amends soon after the restart. The Echo reported that the ball deflected off Liam Scales before reaching the Israel player, who finished from close range two minutes into the second half. Ireland could not restore their lead, despite introducing Chiedozie Ogbene and Rocco Vata in place of Jack Moylan and Idah in the 69th minute.

The closing stages brought opportunities for both teams. According to Flashscore's match report, Israel substitute Omri Gandelman struck a post and Oscar Gloukh also hit the woodwork with an acrobatic attempt. At the other end, Ogbene forced Tzur to turn a volley over the bar. Neither side found a decisive second goal in the behind-closed-doors match in Backa Topola.

Kelleher captained Ireland in O'Shea's absence. The Associated Press reported that O'Shea had been excused to be with his wife for the birth of their child. Before kick-off, Kelleher did not shake hands with Israel captain Peretz, repeating O'Shea's action before the teams' previous meeting. Ireland had won that earlier encounter 3-0, but this time had to settle for a point.