Shane Long suffered a frustrating evening while Daryl Murphy trebled his goal tally.

Daryl Murphy's first-half double set up an intriguing World Cup qualification trip to Wales as the Republic of Ireland eased past Moldova 2-0.

Spain retained top spot in Group G after a 4-0 scoreline at home to Macedonia was matched by rivals Italy in Liechtenstein.

Moldova 1 Republic of Ireland 3: In the usual manner, Ireland made this harder for themselves than was strictly necessary, not for the first time surrendering an early lead in a game, before a second half James McClean brace reasserted the visitors’ general superiority and deservedly sent them joint top on points of Group D with Serbia.