Wales ground out a 1-0 home win over the Republic of Ireland to stay top of their Nations League group.
The visitors edged a cagey first half, with chances scarce as these familiar foes looked like they might replicate last month’s insipid goalless draw in Dublin.
Wales eventually came to life midway through the second half, David Brooks nodding in from close range after Gareth Bale’s looping header across goal.
Brooks was denied a second goal by an outstanding save by Darren Randolph before Bale and Kieffer Moore missed further chances for the hosts, who extended their unbeaten run in competitive matches to 10.
Ireland midfielder Jeff Hendrick was sent off in added time for bringing down Tyler Roberts as he appeared to have a clear run on goal.
A fourth victory from five Nations League matches keeps Wales one point clear of second-place Finland, who won in Bulgaria in Group B4’s other fixture on Sunday.
Wales and Finland meet at Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday. A draw would be enough for Wales to win the group and secure promotion to the top tier of the Nations League.
As for the Republic of Ireland, they remain third and a point in front of bottom side Bulgaria, who they host in Dublin on Wednesday in a match which will decide who is relegated to the third tier.
#NationsLeague – RESULTS:
Netherlands 3-1 Bosnia
Wales 1-0 Ireland
Turkey 3- 2 Russia#diski101 pic.twitter.com/tz2EVobCgs
— Diski101 (@diski101) November 15, 2020
📷 | 🏴 1-0 🇮🇪
Smiles! #WALIRL | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/N7XbW8YzfG
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) November 15, 2020
