The Irish Defence Forces have beaten their Dutch counterparts in a 3-1 friendly at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin on Wednesday.

Two first-half goals by Ronan Kerin and a header from Chris Kenny put Richie Barber's team on their way to the win.

Ireland took the lead after six minutes in controversial fashion.

David O'Riordan struck a fierce effort that was well saved by Danny Burgers in the Dutch goal - he managed to keep out the follow-up, but in the resulting scramble Kerin was able to prod the ball home with the Dutch claiming a foul on the keeper.

The visitors came into the game after their early set-back and held possession well, but it was the Defence Forces who were the more dangerous with O'Riordan having two long-range efforts on the Dutch goal.

And it was 2-0 on 19 minutes.

A corner wasn't dealt with by the Dutch defence, it fell to the feet of Kerin who took a touch before firing home from six yards.

In the second half the Dutch Armed Forces found a way back.

An excellent cross-field pass was neatly squared across goal on the volley and midfielder Rogieu Gekristsen was there to tap in for 2-1.

Irish peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in 2011 | Image: UN Photo/Pasqual Gorriz

However, the lead didn't last long and three minutes later the Defence Forces restored their two-goal advantage.

A superb cross by Adrian Rafferty was met by the head of Kenny who found the far corner for 3-1.

As the Dutch looked for another way back into the game the Defence Forces found space beyond the Dutch backline.

Gavin Dillon had an effort that was well saved on 72 minutes that would have put the game beyond doubt.

The final chance of the game was a Dutch free-kick from the edge of the box that was smartly saved by Deegan on 85 minutes.

The Irish Defence Forces are continuing their preparation for the CISM Military World Games in China in October.

Speaking after the game, Ireland manager Richie Barber said: "It was a great game. They were a very organised and strong team.

"I felt we deserved to go 2-0 up and we created a lot of chances.

"It was a hot day and even when we introduced changes in the second half we didn't let our standards drop.

"We were defensively solid and it was the perfect preparation for the Military World Games."