Now then. The visitors win a free-kick just outside the Moldova area. Looks like Wes Hoolahan wants it... no James McClean is on it, and he sends it high and wide.

That's a big opportunity wasted to get another before the break.

Now Moldova have a corner. Gheorghe Andronic takes it, sending it low into the area. It bounces through the crowd of players but a red shirt can't get on the end of it.

Darren Randolph is still waiting to make his first save of the game.  

Igor Bugaev gives Ciaran Clark a bit of jip. He's not happy that the Republic of Ireland defender went in heavy with his elbow. The referee is on the Moldova forward's side as he gives the hosts a free-kick, but it comes to nothing.

This is not what Moldova need. Igor Armas is down injured after a challenge. No chance he can continue so on comes the stretcher and off he goes. Victor Golovatenco takes his place in the centre of defence. It will take him a little while to get up to speed, can the Republic of Ireland take advantage and grab another goal before the break?

Italy are ahead in Macedonia thanks to Torino striker Andrea Belotti's volley.

Serbia are back in front against Austria and it's that man again, Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic with the goal.

Image source, AP

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Wes Hoolahan is covering plenty of grass. He's all over the pitch when the Republic of Ireland attack. He's had more touches than another player on the pitch with 29.

Wes Hoolahan is involved again as the Republic of Ireland fashion another chance. He feeds Glenn Whelan on the edge of the area, but he lofts the ball well over. Again, Martin O'Neill holds his head in frustration. That second goal would just make life a bit more comfortable. 

After a high-pressure start the Republic of Ireland have eased off a bit now. They're still looking more than comfortable, though.

Win this game, and Republic of Ireland move onto seven points from three games. A great start to qualifying.

Image source, PA

In the other game in Group D tonight, Serbia have been pegged back by Austria.

The home side took the lead after just six minutes through Newcastle United Aleksandar Mitrovic but Marcel Sabitzer has equalised for Austria.

Both Spain and Italy remain goalless in their matches in Group G, against Albania and Macedonia respectively.

Andrei Cojocari has a pop from distance. There's good power behind it but it is always going wide. Igor Bugaev flicks out a leg in an attempt to direct it goalwards, but the flag is raised for offside.

Seamus Coleman again! A lovely give and go sees him scamper into the area, defenders splaying in his wake. He tries to cut the ball back for James McClean, but a Moldova player gets a boot in to stab behind.

Seamus Coleman thunders up the pitch from right back, wriggles his way into the box before clipping the ball for Shane Long. He heads goalwards, but a defender is in the way.

This is what Moldova need to do - hold the ball, calm things down. Just as they look capable of building somehing Veaceslav Posmac launches the ball down the right flank to no-one and Republic of Ireland have possession again.

The home fans' early enthusiasm has turned to groans of frustration. The pocket of away fans are in great voice.

James McClean then flashes a volley just wide. Martin O'Neill, for a moment, thinks it is in before cradling his head in frustration. 

Image source, Reuters

Moldova conceded seven goals in their first two games in 2018 World Cup qualifying and the visitors look capable of scoring with every attack as a cross just whistles over Jon Walters' head.

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Moldova are struggling to get the ball into the the Republic of Ireland's area. Instead, the hosts are having to work out how to contain Wes Hoolahan, who is well up for this one. He's buzzing around the Moldova half and keeping the tempo high.

Shane Long savoured celebrating that one. It ended a goal drought for club and country that went back as far as May. 

Moldova immediately set about fashioning a response, but the visitors are defending well. So far, so good.

Image source, Reuters