Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HERO BROOKS THE NODS-ON WINNER
Wales keep their heads to stay on course for Nations League lift
GARETH BALE used his head again in a late win for Wales which keeps them on course for Nations League promotion.
He opened his account for Tottenham this term with a match-winning header in the Premier League against Brighton.
This time Bale (below) used his bonce to nod the ball back across goal for David Brooks to notch the winner.
And Wales record cord scorer is clearly ly adapting his game e after turning 31 and losing some of his blistering pace.
Brooks’ second d international goal al sealed victory to keep eep
Wales top above Finland, ld who visit the Cardiff Stadium on Wednesday.
It also settled a feisty contest with seven bookings before Jeff Hendrick was sent off the visitors in stoppage time.
Wales were also lucky not to have a man dismissed themselves in the 39th minute after Joe Morrell kicked out at Jayson Molumby.
But Rob Page’s side escaped and punished Ireland who went a sixth game without scoring under boss Stephen Kenny, who is also yet to taste victory.
Caretaker Page, holding the reins while Ryan Giggs faces a police investigation, made 10 changes from the 0-0 friendly with USA at Swansea as only keeper Danny Ward survived.
Ireland were the more dangerous side to begin with as Neco Williams did well to turn away Daryl Horgan’s cross, with James Mcclean lurking.
Joe Rodon helped it on but it fell for Robbie Brady at the top of the box who crashed a fierce left-foot shot just over.
Wales skipper Bale hit a trademark dipping free-kick from 35 yards with his leftfoot which dipped viciously and brushed the bar.
But Ireland created the better chances in the first half as Mcclean had an angled effort denied by Ward.
After the break, Wales tried to go on the offensive as Williams found Bale in the bo box but his s left-foot shot was tame tame. With no sign of a breakthrough, P Page sent on targetman Kieffer Mo o re a s the hosts switched to a 4-2-3-1 to match up the visitors. T The mere presence of the 6ft 5in striker caused consternation in the Ireland box. Wales were able to capitalise when Dan James’ cross from the right wasn’t cleared and was headed back across goal by Bale for Brooks.
The goalscorer said: “When Kieffer came on – he’s a big man – and he occupied the two centre-halves.
“I’ve just closed my eyes and nodded it in.”
Wales could have wrapped up the win when Brooks ran clear down the middle on to James’ pass.
But Irish keeper Darren Randolph did superbly to narrow the angle and parry his shot over.