Poland have taken a 1-0 lead in at half time away to the Republic of Ireland in their Euro 2016 qualifier.

Slawomir Peszko gave the visitors the lead on 25 minutes when he drilled a shot home after Robbie Brady and Marc Wilson had made a hash of a clearance.

The hosts had an early chance through Wes Hoolahan, but the Norwich City playmaker's effort was fired wide from outside the box before Grzegorz Krychowiak should have done better up the other end on 20 minutes.

Martin O'Neill's side had to withstand heavy pressure from the Poles and Shay Given was forced into a save to deny Maciej Rybus after the half-hour mark.

Aiden McGeady had Ireland's best chance at the death of the half, and the Everton winger's effort flew just inches wide of the post.

Written by
Paul Gorst