Ireland Under 21s sank to the bottom of their qualifying group following a 4-1 defeat away to Armenia.

Sheridan on target in heavy defeat

Republic of Ireland Under 21s sank to the bottom of their European Championship qualifying group following a 4-1 defeat away to their Armenia counterparts. Henrik Mkhitaryan hit a hat-trick for Armenia, who were recording their first win in Group 2 to leapfrog Ireland in the standings. Led for the first time by MK Dons midfielder Stephen Gleeson, the Republic fell behind to Mkhitaryan's opener after half-an-hour's play. Mkhitaryan made it 2-0 to the hosts in the 61st minute before Plymouth's Cillian Sheridan gave his side a lifeline four minutes later, turning in James O'Shea's cross. Armenia continued to enjoy the best of the game, though, and re-established a two-goal gap through Hovhaness Goharyan's 20-yard strike with 15 minutes to play. Mkhitaryan slotted in a fourth, and his third, with an 82nd-minute penalty. Ireland now sit bottom of Group 2, swapping places with their opponents, with just four points from six games.