World Cup Qualifying: Daryl Murphy Nets Brace As Republic Of Ireland Ease Past Moldova (Video)

Alan Duffy

6th, October 2017

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The Republic of Ireland defeated Moldova 2-0 at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night, a result which sets up a dramatic showdown with Wales on Monday.

With Wales beating Georgia by a goal-to-nil in the earlier kick-off, the Irish started the game third in Group D, four points behind the Welsh.

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On the night, Daryl Murphy was the match-winner for the Republic, with the Nottingham Forest striker bagging a brace.

The hosts got off to a great start, with Murphy volleying home after just two minutes.

The 34-year-old former Ipswich and Newcastle man then netted his second of the game on 19 minutes, this time via a superb header.

Callum O’Dowda impressed throughout for Martin O’Neill’s men, with the Bristol City winger a constant thorn in the side of the Moldovan backline.

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After the break, the visitors started to control the game, but they couldn’t make any inroads on the scoreline and had Alexandru Gatcan sent off late on for a headbutt on Harry Arter.

The win sees the Irish go to within a point of third-place Wales and two points behind leaders Serbia, with the a monumental clash now facing the Boys in Green on Monday.