Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Republic Of Ireland Defeat Poland 3-2

Republic of Ireland claimed their first points in World Cup qualifying Group A2 as they held on for a 3-2 win over Poland in Gdansk.

Carla Ward’s side had come up empty-handed in their first two games, but this time they had the better edge to bank a win that lifts them into third place in the group.

Emily Murphy and a stunner from Katie McCabe had Carla Ward’s side two up after 20 minutes, but Poland rallied with Tanja Pawollek pulling one back just before the break.

In a frantic start to the second half where a goal seemed imminent, it was the Republic of Ireland’s Marissa Sheva who delivered to restore the two-goal advantage for her side.

However, Barcelona star Ewa Pajor pulled one back with a perfectly-weighted lob and with McCabe blazing over from the penalty spot two minutes later, it was backs to the wall late on for the Irish in the final minutes, but they held on for a vital win.