The Republic of Ireland’s fruits of labour were come undone cruelly as Aleksandar Mitrović’s brace was the difference as Stephen Kenny’s search for a win as Ireland manager continues. Despite the result, Ireland’s performance tonight gives plenty to look to going forward.

The key difference tonight was a creative player of the ilk of Dušan Tadić as the Serbian midfielder set up the three goals for his side. Stephen Kenny commented that Serbia was “Ruthless in their chances” and the result was “a kick in the teeth” with Ireland on the “Wrong Side of a narrow defeat”

“Overall I can't believe we conceded three goals” reflected the Ireland boss following the match “It didn’t look like that kind of match.”

Ireland started the game with a game plan that saw the side look to hold a solid defensive shape while breaking the Serbian attacking play down and working from the back to begin to push forward. Stephen Kenny has deployed similar systems in European games and has come to fruition.

Ireland took the lead through Alan Browne who did fantastic to head the past Dmitrovic after some excellent build-up play, the initial first ball was sent out to Enda Stevens who split the defence with a pass to Callum Robinson whose pass was met by Browne. Just rewards from a side that are beginning to utilise the fluidity of Kenny’s passing ethos. Kenny hailed the goal as “A great first goal.”

Ireland continued to frustrate the home side with its fast-paced counter-attacking style and Callum Robinson released the ball to Stevens whose first-time cross was aimed for Aaron Connolly however Serbia's defence cleared the danger on the second attempt. Serbia with ample possession began to truly knock on Ireland defensive door.

Serbia was rewarded as Dušan Tadić headed a clever ball forward into the path of Dušan Vlahović who fired a first-time effort past Travers, you would have felt that if Ireland had held to half time the complexion of the game would have been a lot different.

Ireland began the second half and in the 51st minute, some would say a game-changing decision didn’t fall Ireland way. Aaron Connolly went down in the area under a heavy challenge and there were genuine shouts for a penalty but the referee waved away the protests. After the match, Stephen Kenny said it was a “Cast iron penalty” and wondered “How come there is no VAR in some matches than others”

The momentum seemed to swing completely in Serbias direction and Dušan Tadić the provider once again set up a clever ball to Aleksandar Mitrović and the Fulham striker seeing Mark Travers out of position chipped the ball over the advanced keeper to open his scoring account on the night.

He wasn’t finished there as Tadić once again the architect set up Mitrović with a deft ball into the area and he headed it powerfully past Travers, the red wave of Serbia just overpowering Irelands defence.

Stephen Kenny rung in the changes deploying Robbie Brady, Shane Long and James McClean into the side and he said the sides “Attitude was brilliant” in continuing to press and play the ball forward.

Shane Long forced an error out of Stefan Mitrović and the ball fell to James Collins, the striker had to take two bites of the cherry before it went in but it gave Ireland their second goal of the game and gave the away side a chance to rally at the end.

Upon reflection, this Irish side still hasn’t had its strongest eleven for Stephen Kenny to choose from, but the players and system are beginning to work and will bear fruits in time. What fans need right now is a result, what Kenny needs right now is a win.

Luxembourg on Saturday could be that day.