O'Toole treble inspires Ireland

Shamrock Rovers FC striker Olivia O'Toole hit a hat-trick as the Republic of Ireland eased to a 5-0 victory against Malta in Dublin to stretch their lead at the head of Group 5.

Anxious wait
The result increased Ireland's lead at the top of the section to four points and as they have completed their fixtures, they must now wait to see whether they will take part in the qualifying play-offs this autumn to earn a place in the top tier of European football for 2006. The leading runner-up from the three tier-two groups also qualifies. Only second-placed Romania can catch Ireland at the top of the group, and must win both remaining games - against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia - to overhaul the Irish side.

Comfortable win
O'Toole opened the scoring after 12 minutes, before her club team-mate Elaine O'Connor doubled the lead just before the half hour. O'Toole added another after the interval and then completed her hat-trick in the 78th minute. Arsenal FC player Ciara Grant completed the scoring, as coach Noel King's team sealed a comfortable win against the group's bottom team at Dalymount Park.