The Republic of Ireland lie second in World Cup qualifying Group D this morning.
The Boys in Green were the better side in Moldova last night, but needed a second half brace from James McClean to come away with all 3 points.
Shane Long opened the scoring for Ireland after just 2 minutes, with a fine finish from a Wes Hoolahan slide rule pass.
Ireland should have added to their lead, but couldn’t make the most of their dominance- and they were punished for that just before the break.
Poor Shane Duffy defending allowed Moldova level just before half time, as Igor Bugayev broke free and finished well past Darren Randolph.
Moldova started the second half well, as it looked like Ireland could struggle to win the game.
However, the Boys in Green stepped it up and McClean proved the hero- netting twice in the final 25 minutes to take home a crucial 3 points.
On 69 minutes, a James McCarthy shot into a crowded box fell to the feet of Jon Walters, who left it to McClean to finish well into the net.
Seven minutes later, Seamus Coleman crossed well from the right to an unmarked McClean, who finished well to seal the win.
It was a potentially pivotal day in Group D, with both Wales and Austria dropping points.
The Welsh could only draw 1-1 at home to Georgia, while Serbia beat Austria 3-2.
That all means Serbia are top with 7 points, ahead of Ireland on goal difference alone.
Wales are third with 5 points, with Austria fourth on 4 points.
