Moldova see off San Marino challenge

Moldova remain in the hunt for a top-two finish in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 1 thanks to victory against San Marino.

The hosts moved level on points with second-placed Wales and three behind section leaders England – having played a game more than the latter – with their second successive win. Igor Dima opened the scoring eight minutes into the second half and substitute Ion Ursu put the result beyond doubt seven minutes from time.

Moldova almost made the perfect start inside a minute but Nicolae Milinceanu saw his effort superbly saved by Andrea Manzaroli. That proved to be their only chance of the first half and they had to wait until the 53rd minute for the breakthrough, Dima heading in  Vasile Jardan's cross from the right.

Moldova continued to push forward and doubled their lead in the 83d minute when Ursu collected a long pass, surged into the area and scored from close range.