The Girls in Green got off to the perfect start, just two minutes where on the clock when Denise O’Sullivan was fouled just outside the Slovenian box.

Julie Ann Russell stepped up right footed and curled the ball high into the top corner of the Slovenia net, leaving keeper Mori no chance.

It was the perfect start for Ronan’s team. The hosts failed to build on the good start as they chased Russia for the group one play-off spot.

Diane Caldwell had the Slovenia keeper sprawling on 13 minutes, Russell again the creator, Caldwell header well stopped by Mori low to her left.

The opening period was all Ireland, keeper Emma Byrne on the night of her 110th waited until the 29th minute for her first touch of the ball.

Byrne’s involvement due to a back pass from Karen Duggan, The Slovenia’s showing the reasons why they have only managed five goals in this campaign.

Slovenia grew in confidence as the first half drew to a close, though never threatened the Irish skipper, Karen Duggan a rock in the defence.

Ronan’s team became ragged in the second half as the Slovenian’s grew in confidence. The Irish survived a close shave on 58 minutes,

Kaja Erzen shot clipped the post and caught Emma Byrne on the back, luckily for the Kildare keeper the ball spun forward and away from goal.

Byrne had to rely on her cross bar just after the hour mark as Slovenia captain Mateja Kos’s effort from the side-line crashed off the woodwork.

Ronan changed things up in midfield introducing Raheny United winger Siobhan Killeen and Norwegian based Shannon Smyth, the hosts coming to grips more in the crowded midfield.

Rusheda Littlejohn’s snap shot on 73 minutes, spun just wide of the post as the home side restored their earlier on ball confidence.

The hosts sealed victory 14 minutes before the end, Aine O’Gorman’s cross from the throw in, taken down by Fiona O’Sullivan to slot home.

Ronan’s side are two points behind Russia as both vow for the play spot in group one of World cup 2015 qualifying. Russia play Slovakia tomorrow.

The Girls in Green visit Slovakia on September 13 followed by Germany four days later to wrap up their World cup campaign.

Republic of Ireland: Byrne, O’Gorman, Quinn, Fahey, Duggan, Roche (Killeen 59”), Caldwell, Gorman (Littlejohn HT), Russell, D.O’Sullivan (Smyth66”), F.O’Sullivan

Subs not used: Reid-Burke, Perry, DeBurca, Grant,

Slovenia: Mori, Marlot (Kralj 51”), Rola, Kos, Tibaut, Grad, Nikl, Zver, Zganec, Jeri (Ketis 76”), Erzen

Subs not used: Vamberger, Sevsek, Erman, Rogan, Siljak.

Referee: Linn Anderson (Sweden)

Attendance: 1,242