Piroška keeps Slovakia in hunt

Slovakia remain in contention for qualification from UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 7 after beating Cyprus 2-1 in Paralimni.

Ahead
Slovakia won the reverse 4-1 in October thanks to three late goals, and a strike from Juraj Piroška with 19 minutes to play gave them back-to-back triumphs after Cyprus' Andreas Avraam had cancelled out Peter Pekarík's earlier effort. The visitors appeared to be cruising when Pekarík had put them ahead just before the half-hour mark but Cyprus drew level seconds before half-time when Dimitris Christofi, who plays his football in Paralimni for Enosis Neon Paralimniou FC, saw his header rebound off the woodwork and strike partner Avraam tapped in.

Piroška winner
Slovakia resumed control in the second period and their persistence paid off when Piroška restored their lead. Jozef Barmoš' side held on and the win takes Slovakia to eight points from five games, leaving them second behind Austria prior to their match at home to Belgium later on. Cyprus sit fourth with three points from four matches.