Wales have picked their first win at the Carling Nations Cup after downing Northern Ireland 2-0 last night at the Aviva Stadium in front of just 500 fans. Ramsey and Earnshaw scored the only goals of the meeting to put their side third in the competition. On the other side, the North finished the competition foot of the table after failing to win or draw any of the three meetings against Republic of Ireland and Scotland. Wales dominated the entire meeting, especially the first half, though they could have been leveled at one point amid it.
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The first big chance of the night came in the 13th minute and from Wales who missed a great opportunity through Ramsey who failed to convert a follow-up from Bellamy’s deflected shot. A poor defending then allowed Ramsey to bring the first lead of the night. Tuffey lost the ball in dangerous area, highlighting the striker in good position to finish it easily past the keeper. Northern Ireland broke back immediately through McGinn whose finish was blocked by the Welsh in what could have been a turning point. The first half went 1-0 to Gary Speed’s side as Ireland were still struggling for their first point of the week.
As for the second half, it started with Bellamy’s golden opportunity. Wales’ striker mocked an unique chance in the 50th minute. Collison’s cross was finished well wide by the first one in what should have been a difficult test for Tuffey. Speed made a couple of changes in the 60th minute, introducing Earnshaw and Owain Tudor-Jones, while Nigel Worthington replaced Craig Cathcart with Stuart Dallas who got the arm-band for the first time. Jones would also be the one to receive a yellow card. The Welsh was cautioned by the referee in the 65th minute for a late tackle on newly-introduced Dallas.
A couple of minutes later Earnshaw made it 2-0, eight minutes after being introduced. The striker beat Coates inside the box to fire a 13-yard shot past the keeper and draw the victory. The 70th minute found both sides making a couple of more switches, one apiece. Thus, Adam Matthews replaced Gunter at Wales and Feeney departed for Liam Boyce. Hennessey was also replaced by Lewis price three minutes later. Worthington then introduced Carl Winchester for Robert Garrett. Finally, the 80th minute found Vokes reoplacing Morrison at Wales and Jordan Owens going in for McGinn.
Said Northern Ireland boss Worthington: “I thought the performance tonight was probably our best out of the three games. Wales had a very strong team out, we kept our shape well and pressed the ball well. It also gives the kids international experience, playing against the likes of Craig Bellamy and Robert Earnshaw. There was a lot of spirit on show.”
Wales lost their first game 0-3 to Republic of Ireland and scored their first goal of the competition on Wednesday in 1-3 defeat to Scotland, so they will finish the Cup with three points. Northern Ireland, by contrast, conceded a 0-3 loss to Scotland and a 0-5 one to Republic of Ireland who lead the table with six points in two games. They will next meet Wales in the last game of the tournament and in what is expected to be a decider for the leader position.
Wales – Wayne Hennessey; Neil Taylor, Danny Gabbidon,Chris Gunter, Danny Collins, David Vaughan, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Collison, Craig Bellamy, Steve Morison, David Cotterill. Reserves: Jermaine Easter, SAM Vokes, Robert Earnshaw, Andy King, Owain Tudur-Jones, Neal Eardely, Adam Matthews, Craig Morgan, Lewis Price, Boaz Myhill.
Northern Ireland – Jonathan Tuffey; Colin Coates, Gareth McAuley, Lee Hudson, Craig Cathcart, Oliver Norwood, Robert Barrett, John Gorman, Niall McGinn, Warren Feeny, Josh Carson. Reserves: Liam Boyce, Stuart Dallas, Jordan Owens, Josh McQuoid, Carl Winchester, Alan Blayney.
