Ireland ease past Moldova

Republic of Ireland moved second in World Cup qualifying Group D after a 3-1 victory in Moldova.

Martin O’Neill’s side were ahead after just two minutes with Shane Long opening the scoring after racing onto Wes Hoolahan’s through ball.

However, after dominating proceedings, they were pegged back in added time at the end of the half by Igor Bugaev’s first strike since June 2011 and Moldova’s first goal of the campaign.

The visitors hit back after the break though thanks to James McClean’s second-half double to claim their second win of the campaign, moving to seven points and just behind group leaders Serbia on goal difference.

Knowing a win would put them in an excellent position in Group D following Wales’ earlier draw with Georgia, Ireland made the perfect start as Hoolahan’s pass released Long and he curled the ball past Nicolae Calancea and into the far corner.

O’Neill brought in Hoolahan and Glen Whelan following the 1-0 victory over Georgia last Thursday and his side were well and truly on the front foot in the opening stages and nearly doubled their advantage in the 13th minute but McClean fired wide from James McCarthy’s cross.

The visitors continued to threaten with …

continue reading in source www.skysports.com