North's dreams left in tatters

Just like Moldova's crumbling Republic Stadium, Northern Ireland's European dream lies in pieces following this scoreless bore. The North failed to record the win they needed to keep alive their faint hopes of qualifying for the Euro 2000 finals.

Instead yet another campaign is as good as over with just five games played. The solitary point from this dull encounter in Chisinau leaves Lawrie McMenemy's side well behind the Group Three leaders with just five points.

The game could also be the beginning of the end for McMenemy, whose contract expires at the end of Northern Ireland's qualifying campaign.

McMenemy had gambled on untested Bournemouth striker Stephen Robinson for what was his most important match since taking charge.

McMenemy hoped the 24-year-old, with 14 goals this season, could boost their flagging firepower.

But the move failed and Robinson failed to bridge the chasm between the Second Division and international football.

He had little impact on the match, apart from getting in the way of a Keith Gillespie effort in the first half.

The Irish created very little, although Iain Dowie appealed in vain for a goal with a header which he felt had crossed the line.

McMenemy had told skipper Steve Lomas to push forward at every opportunity in support of Robinson and workhorse Dowie and he went close with a 25-yard shot from one raid.

Gillespie also tried his luck from the right only for his effort to canon off the ineffective Robinson. Michael Hughes made his mark on the game and Oleg Fistican's legs on 13 minutes when he chopped down the Moldovan right back to earn himself a yellow card.

The Irish were looking lively against the Moldovans, who were without five players through injuries and suspensions including captain and playmaker Alexandru Curtianu, although home goalkeeper Serghei Dinov remained untested.

Moldova, whose last competitive win was almost four years ago, stirred and Serghei Epureanu fed Igor Oprea on the left and his precise cross was headed over by Alexandru Suharev.

That effort brought the home fans to life, although Northern Ireland's travelling band of nine supporters were also making themselves heard.

Moldova then opened up the Irish defence when Epureanu pulled the ball back to Serghei Clescenco eight yards out. His first touch let him down, but he laid the ball off to Radu Rebeja who blazed wide.

Maik Taylor proved he was not suffering any after effects from Saturday's 3-0 defeat against Germany when he made a fine save from Epurneau's 20-yard free-kick just before the interval.

The second half was as boring as the first with neither side able to create anything to excite the 9,237 crowd.