Republic's clash with Wales ends scoreless

The road to Russia is a little more congested after Republic of Ireland and ten man Wales fought out a scoreless draw in their World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night.

Serbia, who had earlier won in Georgia, are the new leaders of Group D with Martin O'Neill's side a point behind with Wales four points adrift in third spot.

Ireland's already injury hit squad suffered another blow minutes ahead of the kick-off with Everton's James McCarthy picking up an injury in the warm-up and he was replaced by Hull City's David Meyler.

There was a good tempo at the start of the game with an early threat from Gareth Bale when he intercepted a backpass from Seamus Coleman but goalkeeper Darren Randolph got there first ahead of the Real Madrid striker to clear.

Wales began to enjoy more possession at this stage before a shot from distance by Meyler flew wide of the Welsh goal.

Ireland were playing most of their football in their own half but came out of their shell on 31 minutes with a swift break that saw Shane Long play a neat one two with Jeff Hendrick but the ball just ran away from the Southampton striker who had found some space ahead of his marker.

There was a big scare for the home side on 37 minutes when Aaron Ramsey robbed Hendrick and quickly dispatched the ball out to Bale, but his first touch was poor and the ball was cleared.

It remained scoreless at the break as both defences remained on top after a cagey 45 minutes.

Dangerman Bale had two chances to find the breakthrough early in the second half, a free kick presented him with the first chance but his shot went straight to a relieved Randolph.

Then a few minutes later he created a shooting angle out of nothing with his effort sailing inches wide of the right hand post.

The visitors continued to press as Ireland continued to defend in what was becoming an anxious second half for O'Neill's side.

However, a neat Long header onto Jonathan Walters in the box brought Ireland to life, but before he could pull the trigger Williams made a great intervention.

Then James McClean's free kick fell kindly for Long but he dragged his shot wide of the goal.At the other end substitute Sam Vokes snatched at a half chance around the Irish penalty spot but his aim was off on this occasion.

With 20 minutes left both teams suffered a devastating blow. Wales were reduced to ten men with Neil Taylor given a straight red after a crude challenge on Ireland captain Coleman who was taken from the pitch on a stretcher with an oxygen mask.

McClean almost found a way through with two quickfire attempts on goal, his initial shot was blocked and rebounded to him with a second effort taking a deflection on the way for a corner.

The tide had turned as Ireland went for the win, but there was still a threat as Bale had a chance to snatch a crucial win with a mazy run and shot that shaved the outside of the right post.

That would have been tough on Ireland who applied relentless pressure right to the end with no avail.