Sheva goal helps Republic of Ireland beat Poland

Sheva goal helps Republic of Ireland beat PolandImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Sheva scored her fifth international goal against Poland at the AvivaAt a glanceRepublic of Ireland pick up second win in a week over Poland after Tuesday's 3-2 win in GdanskMarissa Sheva slides in at the back post to score the opener on 41 minutes in DublinEmily Murphy and Denise O'Sullivan both hit the crossbar for Carla Ward's sideNarrow win opens up a five-point gap for Republic of Ireland over Poland in Group A2's race for third place and a kinder play-off drawByLauren McCannBBC Sport NI journalistPublished29 minutes agoRepublic of Ireland took a huge step towards securing third place in Group A2 of their World Cup qualifying campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Poland at the Aviva Stadium.Carla Ward's side, who hung on to beat the Poles 3-2 in Gdansk on Tuesday, were pushed hard again in Dublin, but managed to grind out their second win in the group.Marissa Sheva scored a tap-in four minutes before half-time, which proved to be the winner in front of a crowd of more than 18,000 at the Aviva.The Irish now hold a five-point lead over Poland with two games to go as they look to finish third and secure, in theory, a kinder play-off draw for next year's tournament in Brazil.Gritty Republic of Ireland hold on for big winPoland's first opportunity arrived on 13 minutes as the lively Nadia Kreyzman raced past Aoife Mannion down the left and cut the ball back to Ewa Pajor, whose first-time effort rippled the side-netting.That warning from Poland seemed to spark Ward's side into life and they went close a minute later at the other end.Denise O'Sullivan's deflected cross fell kindly for Emily Murphy who, sliding in, rattled the crossbar and Sheva blazed wide on the rebound.A looping Mannion header was then cleared off the line by Oliwia Wos before the home side went in front on 41 minutes.Kyra Carusa bustled her way down the left and h...