Republic of Ireland 2 - Moldova 0: A Daryl Murphy double secures crucial win
Nottingham Forest frontman Murphy, who had only one senior international goal to his name before kick-off, stabbed home from close range with less than two minutes gone and then doubled his tally with a fine header to give Ireland breathing space.
However, Martin O’Neill’s men did not have it all their own way with goalkeeper Darren Randolph having to produce a fingertip save to keep out Sergiu Platica’s goal-bound 26th-minute volley.
Ireland had an early chance to test the Moldovan defensive when midfielder Sergiu Platica was penalised for a challenge on Hendrick and although the visitors managed to clear the initial free-kick, they were unable to handle the throw-in which resulted from it.
Stephen Ward sent the ball to the near post, where Alexandru Dedov could only help it on under pressure from Ciaran Clark and Shane Duffy and Murphy pounced to prod past keeper Ilie Cebanu with less than two minutes gone.
The Republic were dominating possession with Wes Hoolahan prominent, but were often careless in promising positions and a further 10 minutes had elapsed by the time a relieved Cebanu saw O’Dowda’s shot from the edge of the box fly into the side-netting.
However, the visitors looked a threat on the break with Alexandru Dedov and Artur Ionita attempting to link with lone striker Radu Ginsari and skipper-for-the-night David Meyler had to intervene on more than once occasion.