Bristol Academy striker Stef Curtis earned Republic of Ireland women a 1-1 draw with Iceland in the first-leg of their Euro 2009 play-off tie.

Iceland went ahead after just 35 seconds at Dublin's Richmond Park when a mix-up left Holmfridur Magnusdottir in on goal and she finished coolly.

But the Republic drew level when Curtis shot home from Olivia O'Toole's pass.

Seeking to reach a major tournament for the first time, the Republic travel to Reykjavik on Thursday for the return.

Five minutes after equalising, Raheny United striker O'Toole went close to giving Ireland the lead from a 20-yard free-kick.

Manager Noel King was pleased with his team's efforts against a side ranked 18th, 10 places higher than the Republic.

"To go behind almost from the kick-off really rocked us, but as the game went on we got stronger and we had chances to win the game," he said.

"I was happy with our performance though, and we'll go to Reykjavik on Thursday believing we can win through to the finals.

"Qualifying would be fantastic for the women's game in Ireland - the interest we'd get from being in Euro 2009 would help grow the game immensely."

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