THE Willams’ once again combined to sink Bulgaria with a late show – for the second time in just over five weeks.
Last month in Cardiff it was a cross from Jonny for young defender Neco to head home with almost the last action of the game.
Jonny Williams scored a late winner against Bulgaria to earn Wales three vital points.Credit: Reuters
And in Sofia the Liverpool youngster returned the favour as his centre was swept home at the near post by the Charlton man.
Bulgaria will be pleased to see the back of them – but between them they have put Wales firmly in control of their Nations League group.
It has been far from pretty with Wales – scoring only three goals in their four matches so far – but they have taken 10 points.
And to be fair Ryan Giggs was without three of his best attacking players with Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and David Brooks all ruled out with injury.
Once again opted once again to play a young side – with Luton’s Rhys Norrington Davies the 19th players to be given his first cap by the Dragons boss.
In fact eight of the starting line-up named here in Sofia were blooded by the former Manchester United man, who is determined to usher in a new era.
Yet Ryan’s rookies did him proud in what was a bad tempered affair against a well drilled but toothless home side.
Wales were in control of the first half although chances were hard to come by.
Williams had only been on as a sub for just over 12 minutes before scoring Credit: Reuters
A Dan James corner found Joe Rodon at the back post but the Tottenham target lofted his shot onto the roof of the net.
Neco Williams sent over a cross that was met by the head of Tyler Roberts but his effort was comfortably saved by the home keeper.
It was the only time either keeper was called into action in the whole first half as James poked another shot narrowly wide.
Thankfully the game livened up after the break as Neco Williams crossed for Norrington-Davies early in the second half but the Luton man fired his effort over the bar.
Harry Wilson had the chance to fire in one of his trademark free-kicks but this one was easy for Nickolay Mihaylov
A wild tackle from James on Cicinho caused tempers on both sides boil over – with the United wide man given a yellow card.
Giggs chose to substitute him minutes later – perhaps to ensure he did not do anything silly.
A wild tackle from Dan James on Cicinho caused tempers on both sides boil overCredit: AFP or licensors
His replacement Rabbi Matondo weaved his way in from the left but the Schalke wide man curled his effort just wide.
Bulgaria’s finishing was so poor that it was not hard to believe they have won only one of their last 18 fixtures.
In addition to that it was more than 10 hours of football since Giggs’ men last conceded a goal in competitive football.
If there was going to be a winner it was surely going to be the Dragons and once again they were leaving it late.
A low cross from the right by Tyler Roberts evaded sub Jonny Williams but found Matondo arriving at the back post. but he could not keep his effort down and it flew over the bar.
At the other end Wayne Hennessey had not had a shot to save and was clearly not properly warm as he pulled something while trying to prevent a corner.
The Crystal Palace man – winning his 94th cap – was unable to continue and was replaced by Stoke’s Adam Davies for the last few minutes.
But just as it looked certain to end goalless the Williams came to the rescue again – with Williams – who had only been on as a sub for just over 12 minutes – sweeping home.
Wales are firmly in control of their Nations League groupCredit: Reuters
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
