Wales move into play-off position thanks to late strikes

Late strikes from Hal Robson-Kanu and Aaron Ramsey secured a vital victory for Wales in Moldova that saw them move into second in Group D.

Moldova held firm for most of the match but they were denied late on when substitute Ben Woodburn burst down the left to set up Robson-Kanu to head home, before Arsenal's Ramsey then made it two right at the end to make sure of the crucial three points.

As a result, having been seemingly up against it to secure a play-off spot less than a week ago, second-placed Wales are now one point ahead of Ireland going into the last two games, one of which sees the Boys in Green travel to Cardiff.

Searching for that first away win in seven – their worst run since 2002 under Mark Hughes – Wales toiled in the first half, but should have gone into the break in the lead, having been denied by a close-range save and a block on the line in the same melee.

Gareth Bale had a few long range efforts at goal, but struggled to find his range as the Moldovans marshalled the Real Madrid man well. It was the same story after the break, as long range attempts were all Wales could muster as Moldova kept a rigid shape.

However, the introduction of Woodburn changed the game once more for Wales, as the 17-year-old created what proved to be the winning goal. There didn’t seem to be much on, but the youngster showed great feet to get to the byline, before whipping a perfect cross onto the head of Robson-Kanu, who arched his back brilliantly to guide the header home. That was his first international goal since his stunner against Belgium at Euro 2016.

Ramsey’s deflected effort had more than an element of fortune about it, but Wales deserved the two-goal cushion for their second half showing. The result capped a superb week for the Welshmen, with those successive wins over Austria and Moldova seeing them leapfrog the Republic to sit second. A play-off spot is now in their hands, with Serbia not out of reach in top spot. What a turnaround.

Woodburn to the rescue once more. Wales are not short of creative talent. Bale has long been the Chris Coleman’s talisman, Aaron Ramsey has all the attributes to be a top player, while Joe Allen has the passing range to open up many a defence, but in Chisinau, it wasn’t happening. Cometh the hour, cometh the boy, as Woodburn stepped up when required once more. His urgency and guile was much needed and completely rejuvenated Wales. Should Wales have to rely on a 17-year-old? No, but he is a great luxury to have.

Ben Woodburn (Wales): Normally it would seem foolish to award man of the match to a player who only played 29 minutes, but such was the impact of the Liverpool starlet, he deserves such an award. His willingness to take risks has to be admired. This is his stage.

Moldova: Cebanu 5 , Posmac 6, Epureanu 7, Bordian 6, Rozgoniuc 6, Graur 6, Ionita 6, Dedov 5, Anton 5, Pascenco 7, Ginsari 7... Subs: Cojocari 6, Ambros N/A, Bugaiov 5.

Wales: Hennessey 6, Gunter 6, Chester 6, Williams 6, B. Davies 7, Allen 6, King 6, Bale 6, Ramsey 6, Lawrence 5, Robson-Kanu 7... Subs: Edwards N/A, Woodburn 8, Vokes 6.

18’ - CHANCES! How have Wales not scored there? Bale's tame effort straight at the 'keeper is spilled, Aaron Ramsey is on hand to sweep home the rebound, but Cebanu brilliantly recovers to block, before Epureanu blocks Robson-Kanu's effort on the line. Incredible defensive effort, but it really should be 1-0.

55’ - CHANCE! Best of the lot for Wales. Fantastic first touch from Robson-Kanu, as he brilliantly lets the ball run, takes it past the defender, but fires wide from a good position. Great play, until the finish.

80' - GOOOOOOOOOOAAAALLLLLLLL! Huuuuuuge goal for Wales as Robson-Kanu heads the visitors in front. What a role Woodburn has played once more for Wales. Great play from the youngster to get to the byline, before whipping a superb cross at full stretch onto the head on Robson-Kanu, who arches his back and guides the ball into the bottom corner. Jubilation on the Wales bench.

90+2' - SAAAAAAVE! He has had very little to do all night, but what a crucial stop that could be by Hennessey. The wicked attempt from Cojocari bounced in front of the Crystal Palace stopper, but Hennessey got two strong hands to it.

90+3' - GOOOOOALLL! Moldova 0-2 Wales. Game over as Ramsey nets a second. A huge slice of luck for Wales as Rasmey's volley takes a wicked deflection before finding the net.

Wales won away from home for the first time since September 2015 (v Cyprus), ending a run of six games without victory.

Hal Robson-Kanu’s opener came through Wales’ 26th shot of the game (inc. blocks).

Only Gareth Bale (4) has scored more goals than Aaron Ramsey (2) for Wales in the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.