Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-21s had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Moldova in their Under-21 EURO Qualifier in Tallaght.

A superbly taken Jamie Mullins free-kick got Ireland back on level terms after Moldova had taken the lead after 20 minutes.

Ireland dominated large parts of the game but couldn’t turn their possession into goals.

The visitors were ahead through midfielder Vasile Luchita when he broke through on goal and finished low past Aaron Maguire.

But Ireland responded well. Mullins forced a great save from Artur Nazarciuc when his low drive saw the Moldovan dive full stretch to his left.

However Nazarciuc was picking the bull out the back of the net a minute later when Mullins gave the goalkeeper the eyes and swept his free-kick into the bottom corner in the 26^th minute.

Ireland ended the first half on top and in the second half they kept the momentum going.

First Mullins saw an angled attempt narrowly go wide then Michael Noonan saw his diving head just clear the bar on 55 minutes.

Ireland continued their domination but Moldova were resolute in their defence. A dangerous cross flashed across the face of the visitors’ goal and Alex Murphy couldn’t direct his head on target.

Jaden Umeh was introduced with 20 minutes left and looked lively and he almost had the perfect start to life with Under-21s but his left-footed effort was kept out by Nazarciuc.

The game would end all square and next for Ireland is a trip to Kazakhstan on Tuesday.

Ireland: Maguire, Curtis, Murphy, Okagbue, Devaney, Mullins, Moorhouse (Lonergan, 70’), Ayinde (Umeh, 70’), Kone-Doherty, Noonan.

Moldova: Nazarciuc, Gospodinov, Dijinari (C), Obleac, Graminschii (Colis, 70’), Sirbu, Luchta (Rada, 60’), David (Saca, 70’), Botan (Costin, 60’), Telic (Caragheroghi, 82’), Lupan.