Republic of Ireland 2 Romania 1:Ireland moved level on points with Group Two leaders Sweden following their over Romania at Richmond Park on Saturday.
American-born striker Michele O'Brien put Ireland ahead after 18 minutes with a well-executed chip from 20-yards that flew into the top left corner.
O'Brien, who plays her club football in Sweden with Qbik, created the second goal 13 minutes later when she set up Stefanie Curtis and the Bristol Academy winger angled the ball low into the net.
Daniela Simona pulled a goal back for the visitors after 40 minutes. The Irish have now amassed nine points from their four ties played to date. Ireland manager Noel King said: "Our next qualifier, away to Italy on February 16th, will be crucial for our prospects of reaching the 2009 Uefa finals."
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Byrne (Arsenal), Curtin (Lifford), Fahy (Salthill Devon), Moran (NY Athletic Club), Boyle (Raheny U), O'Gorman (Stella Maris), Grant (Arsenal), Hughes (Tolka Rovers), Curtis (Bristol Academy), O'Toole (Raheny Utd), O'Brien (Qbik). Sub: Hislop (Newbridge Predators) for Grant (32 mins)
ROMANIA: R Oprea, O. Oprea, Pavel, Alexandru, Dragoesou, Alexandra, Simona, Stribela, Laiu, Florentina, Prundaru. Subs: Cojacaru for Prundaru (53 mins), Illinca for Simona (66 mins), Costas for Alexandru (77 mins).
Referee: Kirsi Savolaninen (Finland).
