Republic of Ireland 1
Poland 1
SUBSTITUTE Shane Long struck an injury time equaliser as the Republic of Ireland staged a dramatic UEFA European Championships 2016 qualifiers recovery mission at the Aviva Stadium.
Defeated by Scotland at Parkhead in November Ireland needed a positive result against Poland so Long’s intervention was crucial.
The visitors’ hit the front in the 25th minute when Slawomir Peszko ruthlessly punished poor Irish defending.
Ireland custodian Shay Given was unable to stop Peszko’s excellent effort from an acute angle as Martin O’Neill’s team were being put under pressure.
After the restart Ireland improved hitting the woodwork twice while James McClean impressed following his second half introduction.
The match was in stoppage time when man of the match Wes Hoolahan provided the assist for Long to earn Ireland an important point.
