Sheva goal helps Republic of Ireland beat Poland

The closest they came in the second half was from Denise O'Sullivan, who flicked the ball over a defender and volleyed an effort off the woodwork.

A scuffed effort from Pajor on 87 minutes after a defensive mix-up was the closest Poland came as the Irish held on for a crucial win.

Perfect window for Ward's team - Republic of Ireland analysis

Sheva produced another solid display for the Irish, topped off with a goal [Getty Images]

Ward said at the start of this international window that the aim was to get six points to put them in the driving seat to claim third place and she will be thrilled that they achieved that objective.

They competed well in games against France and Netherlands without coming away with any points, but showed quality and grit in equal measures across both games in this window to take two wins against a dangerous Poland side.

It was always going to be difficult for Republic of Ireland to replicate their fast start in Gdansk, where they raced into a 2-0 lead, again in Dublin.

A wounded Poland showing much more aggression than they did in Tuesday's game in a physical and cagey first half.

Both sides were able to exploit space out wide behind full-backs or wing-backs, with Pajor and Murphy guilty of squandering big chances from decent crosses at either end.

Republic of Ireland ultimately had that little bit of quality and luck required to make the breakthrough close to the break.

The industrious Carusa showed her worth again with the cross for the goal and Sheva, who has been rejuvenated in a green shirt during Ward's tenure, timed her midfield run well to score again after netting in Poland.

O'Sullivan, who was unlucky not to score a superb solo goal in the second half and Murphy were again standouts and willing runners, although both picked up yellow cards which will rule them out of their penultimate qualifier against the Netherlands in Cork in June.

The Irish defence again managed to keep Pajor quiet as they showed their defensive improvements with a much-needed clean sheet.

The level will go up again with the Dutch and France to come, but Republic of Ireland will take confidence from their displays against Poland this week and with the knowledge they have a crucial six points already in the bag.