SAN MARINO (AFP) - A last-gasp stoppage-time winner from Stephen Ireland gave Republic of Ireland a narrow 2-1 victory over European minnows San Marino in a Euro 2008 Group D qualifer.

San Marino seemed set to take their first ever point in a European Championship qualifying match when Michele Marani equalised four minutes from time after Kevin Kilbane had given the visitors the lead.

But the Irish were saved from embarrassment when Manchester City midfielder Ireland tapped home from close range with the referee just seconds away from blowing his whistle.

Kilbane put Republic ahead four minutes after half time with a powerful close-range header from a Steve Finnan cross.

But Marani levelled the score after a defensive mix-up between Republic keeper Wayne Henderson and Richard Dunne.

Anthony Stokes shot wide for the Republic before Ireland pounced at the death to snatch all three points.

The win moved the Republic up to third in Group D on seven points, three points behind Germany and the Czech Republic who have both played a game less.