Irish extend group lead

Ireland celebrate Richard Dunne's opener

Estonia 0-2 Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland stretched their lead at the top of World Cup qualifying Group Two with an assured victory over Estonia in Tallin.

Mick McCarthy's side belied the absence of four key players with a textbook away performance that extends their unbeaten run to eight qualiying matches.

They lead the group by four points, but Portugal could cut that to three if they defeat Cyprus later on Wednesday night.

Kilbane impressed on the left for Ireland

Estonia had led Holland 2-1 at the weekend before conceding three goals in the final five minutes, but this time around Ireland seized the initiative immediately and never let it go.

Richard Dunne opened the scoring after nine minutes and Matt Holland adding a second before half-time.

The win was all the more impressive given that they were without Roy and Robbie Keane, who were replaced by Holland and Damien Duff respectively.

In addition, central defenders Kenny Cunningham and Gary Breen were both injured with Dunne and Steve Staunton, making a record 89th Ireland appearance, continuing their makeshift partnership.

With the home side defending deep on a poor pitch, Ireland made the early running but were unable to carve out any openings until the ninth minute.

It was a good professional performance and I can't speak highly enough of my players

  Mick McCarthy, Ireland manager

Niall Quinn's flick-on from Staunton's corner was helped on by Ian Harte and Dunne poked the ball home from close range.

It was the much-maligned Manchester City defender's third international goal.

Duff was excelling in his free role. He beat three defenders after 17 minutes and fired in a fierce shot that Martin Kaalma did well to beat away.

Minutes later, Holland misjudged the flight of the ball when presented with a free header and then Kevin Kilbane volleyed over when well placed.

Duff excelled as Robbie Keane's deputy

Dunne had to be vigilant at the other end and he made two brilliant interceptions in the space of four minutes just before the half-hour mark as Estonia enjoyed their first sustained spell of pressure.

Ireland emerged unscathed and doubled their advantage after 39 minutes.

Estonia were unable to fully clear their lines, and Holland sent a perfectly-placed drive low into the bottom corner.

With Holland and Mark Kinsella pulling the strings effectively in midfield, Ireland continued to dominate, with Kinsella just off target with two efforts after 57 and 59 minutes

Kilbane should have added to Ireland's tally after 73 minutes.

But he snatched at a chance in front of goal after a cushioned knockdown from Gary Doherty, who had replaced Niall Quinn after 36 minutes.

We came and got what we wanted. It might not have been a pretty sight but we got the three points

  Steve Staunton, Ireland captain

Shay Given saved brilliantly to deny Dmitri Ustritski after 87 minutes, but even a consolation would have been a travesty given Ireland's superiority.

But despite having now won five and drawn three of their eight qualifiers, Ireland still need to beat Holland in September to be sure even of a place in the top two of the group.

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Estonia: Kaalma; Saviauk, Stepanov, Piiroja, Rooba, Reim, Haavistu, Novikov, Zelinski, Kristal, Oper

Ireland: Given; Carr, Harte, Dunne, Staunton, Holland, Gary Kelly, Kinsella, Niall Quinn, Duff, Kilbane
Subs: Robbie Keane, O'Brien, Connolly, McAteer, Finnan, Doherty, Alan Kelly.

Referee: Marian Mircea Salomir (Romania)