Coleman scores as Ireland claim fortunate victory over Georgia in Group D

Seamus Coleman scored his first international goal as Ireland claimed a 1-0 victory over a plucky Georgia side at the Aviva Stadium in Group D.

The Everton full-back, making his 40th appearance for his country, broke the deadlock on 56 minutes when he bundled the ball over the line after a lovely run from the channel to give Ireland a rather fortuitous lead.

It was extremely harsh on Georgia who should have been ahead at the break but failed to take advantage of a disappointing first-half performance from Martin O’Neill’s side.

The visitors were denied twice by the woodwork in the space of less than a minute midway through the first-half. Levan Mchedlidze initially struck the crossbar with a powerful header, the rebound fell to Gurim Kashia whose effort agonisingly hit the post.

Ireland improved following the breakthrough as Georgia tired and the hosts could have extended their lead in injury-time through James McClean whose header smashed off the crossbar.

The win means the Boys in Green have four points from two games. They now move their focus to a potential banana-skin fixture away to Moldova on Sunday.

Poor performance, positive result. This was far from a convincing showing from Ireland and with stiff competition for the top two places in Group D, Martin O’Neill will feel mightily relieved his side claimed the three points. Ireland must improve for the weekend’s match before back-to-back games against the favourites, Austria and Wales.

Seamus Coleman (Republic of Ireland): The skipper led by example and his goal ultimately proved the difference. It was a great way to mark his 40th appearance. At 27 years old, there’s plenty more to come from the full-back.

Ireland: Randolph 7, Coleman 8, Duffy 6, Clark 6, Ward 6, McCarthy 5, Hendrick 5, Walters 7, McClean 7, Brady 6, Long 7. Subs: Whelan 5, O’Shea N/A.

Georgia: Loria 4, Kakabadze 5, Kverkvelia 6, Kashia 6, Navalovski 7, Gviliia 7, Daushvili 6, Okriashvili 6, Kazaishvili 6, Ananidze 6, Mchedlidze 7. Subs: Skhirtladze 5, Kobakhidze N/A, Kacharava N/A.

4’ - PENALTY APPEAL! Long bursts into the penalty area from a wide angle but is caught by Kverkvelia just as he plays a pass across the face of goal. The defender doesn't get the ball and is fortunate not to concede a spot-kick. None of Long's team mates were able to get onto the end of the pass either.

16’ - CHANCE! Georgia should be ahead! After a number of step-overs, Kakabadze delivers a low cross into the penalty area, it falls to Qazaishvili, who turns and shoots just wide of the post.

36’ - WOODWORK, TWICE! Georgia spurn two great opportunities to take the lead! First Mchedlidze meets a cross with a fantastic header but is denied only by the crossbar. The ball breaks to Kashia, whose looping header hits the post!

42’ - SAVE! Randolph is forced into a stop from close range as Qazaishvili beats Coleman for pace following a nice through ball from Ananidze.

56’ - GOAL! Republic of Ireland 1-0 Georgia - Relief all around the Aviva Stadium as Coleman, on his 40th cap, gives his side the breakthrough! The Everton full-back makes a great run from the channel, cuts into the penalty area, the Georgia defence try desperately to challenge him but he ends up bundling the ball over the line after momentarily losing the ball!

59’ - GOAL DISALLOWED! The home sides are off their feet in celebration once more but the joy is short-lived as McClean's effort is struck off. The West Brom midfielder ventured into an offside area to meet Walter's cross.

75’ - CHANCE! Long meets a deep cross at the back post, finds Brady across the face of goal who can only nod wide of the goal! There's some concern for the Norwich midfielder, he took a bad knock while challenging for the ball.

79’ – INJURY! Brady, with a neck brace in place, is carried off to a huge round of applause from the home fans. Glenn Whelan is the replacement.

90’+2 CROSSBAR! McClean rattles the woodwork with a powerful header from Long's cross and Georgia are able to clear the loose ball.

Courtesy of Seamus Coleman's goal, the Republic of Ireland have now scored in 23 of their last 24 internationals on home soil.