Two James McClean goals have spared the Republic of Ireland's blushes against Moldova as they managed to win their second World Cup qualifier match despite a performance that was well below par at times. The Republic went ahead with a goal from Shane Long following a delightful through ball from Wes Hoolahan but an error from Shane Duffy allowed Moldova back into the game.
Reaction to Ireland's performance for most of the second half was, to say the least, fairly negative.
This is awful.... it's hurting my eyes!
— Darran O'Sullivan (@Darransull86) October 9, 2016
This is pretty dismal from Ireland.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) October 9, 2016
Chrissakes Ireland, missing Poldark for this.
— Tommy Martin (@TommyMartinVM) October 9, 2016
Christ this is grim
— Paul O'Hehir (@paulohehir) October 9, 2016
ROI v Scotland 87. Bonner, Lawrenson, McCarthy, Moran, McGrath, Brady, Galvin, Houghton, Whelan, Aldridge, Stapleton. You'd pine for riches.
— John Duggan (@JohnDugganSport) October 9, 2016
But the disappointment turned into relief when McClean popped up to put Ireland one, then two goals ahead - with his second goal resulting from yet more great play from Hoolahan.
YESSS
— Andy Lee (@AndyLeeBoxing) October 9, 2016
James McClean saves his mate's Derry-air?
— Neil O'Riordan (@noriordan) October 9, 2016
In fairness to McLean I'll take that quality finish #getin
— Stephen Elliott (@SleevesElliott) October 9, 2016
Amazing what being away from West Brom can do for a man.
— Enda McEvoy (@EndaEndamac95) October 9, 2016
Some people are on the pitch, they think it's Moldova... it Chisinau #MOLIRE
— Kevin Byrne (@KevByrneBox) October 9, 2016
Man of the Match was Wes Hoolahan. God knows we'll need him to stay fit if we keep playing like this for the rest of the campaign.
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