David Brooks’ second-half header secured a valuable three points for Wales, in a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
Robert Page’s side are now on the cusp of promotion, needing just a point in Wednesday’s clash with Finland to top the group.
In a typically tight affair against the Boys in Green, here are five main points from the win.
Danny Ward is a dependable back-up
Much was made of Wales’ goalkeeping options ahead of the squad’s selection, with Wayne Hennessey and Adam Davies both carrying injuries.
Leicester City’s Danny Ward looked assured between the sticks, keeping his second clean sheet of the week to give Wales the platform to win the game.
Despite the Republic of Ireland not creating many clear-cut chances, Ward was reliable throughout.
Wales’ coaching staff can take encouragement in the fact that Danny Ward has proven he can step-up in the absence of Hennessey.
Centre-back partnership
In the last couple of years, Wales have tried a number of centre-back partnerships, but Joe Rodon and Chris Mepham looked an accomplished duo in the Nations League win.
Rodon, who recently signed for Premier League club Tottenham Hostpur, showed his quality and was faultless throughout, notably putting in a fantastic tackle to deny Republic of Ireland striker Adam Idah.
Mepham also put in an impressive display, after receiving criticism for his performance in the 3-0 defeat to England.
In a positive defensive performance, Wales may have found their best centre-back pairing.
Key players missing
Despite the victory, Wales struggled to create clear-cut chances in the opening hour.
Midfield metronome Joe Allen and the talismanic Aaron Ramsey would certainly have had an effect on the game, had they been fit.
The hosts opted for a midfield pairing of Joe Morrell and Ethan Ampadu, behind a front three of David Brooks, Dan James and Gareth Bale.
The vision of both Allen and Ramsey could have opened doors for Wales, against an Irish side known for their defensive organisation.
Neco Williams is a hot prospect
It was another impressive display from Liverpool’s Neco Williams.
Operating as a right wing-back, Williams tirelessly provided an option to the midfield, while looking dependable in defence.
The 19 year-old delivered a clever pass to Dan James, who crossed for Gareth Bale to head back across the box and David Brooks was on-hand to head home the opener.
After an impressive display, Neco Williams staked his claim for another start on Wednesday night.
Shrewd substitutions
After the 1-0 victory, praise must also go to the management team for changing the game in the second-half.
On the hour mark, Wales switched from their 3-4-3 setup to a 4-2-3-1 formation, as Kieffer Moore was introduced.
The substitution made an instant impact, as Wales broke the deadlock just minutes later.
In the latter system, the hosts created a number of chances and looked far more fluid going forward, which is testament to the tactical change by the management team.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
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