Wales finally cope without Bale as Lawrence gets off the mark
Derby striker breaks Georgian resistance to edge Coleman’s men closer to play-offs
Tom Lawrence was the hero as Wales boosted their World Cup qualification prospects with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Georgia in Tbilisi.
Lawrence’s first Wales goal came four minutes into the second half when his 25-yard shot flew past Giorgi Loria in the Georgia goal.
It was the first time Wales had managed a victory in 11 games when their star man Gareth Bale had been absent, the Real Madrid forward missing out with a calf strain.
Wales started the penultimate round of fixtures in second spot, four points behind Group D leaders Serbia and one ahead of the Republic of Ireland – visitors to Cardiff on Monday.
Wales had an early chance when Lawrence’s driving run set up a third-minute opening for Aaron Ramsey, who was winning his 50th cap.
The Arsenal midfielder got the ball under control but flashed his effort wide.
Georgia were tidy in possession without troubling Wayne Hennessey and it was Wales who had the next big chance after 17 minutes. Ramsey and Sam Vokes were both involved before Joe Allen helped the ball on to Andy King. But the Leicester midfielder sent his volley into the ground and Loria was able to swat the ball away.
Wales were almost punished after 38 minutes when Giorgi Kvilitaia met Otar Kakabadze’s cross well but sent it just wide of Hennessey’s far post.
But Chris Coleman’s men took the lead four minutes into the second half when Ramsey rolled the ball into Lawrence’s path and he skipped away from his marker before unleashing a thunderous 25-yard drive.
It was the Derby striker’s first Wales goal in nine appearances and he almost had a second moments later when he spied the far corner of Loria’s net but curled it wide.
Georgia pushed Wales back as they probed for an equaliser but the final pass or shot was lacking.
And Wales were a real threat on the counter, Ben Davies denied by a brave tackle before Loria fumbled Ramsey’s shot and Vokes almost poached the rebound.
There was a fortunate escape after 79 minutes when Giorgi Merebashvili broke free on the left and shot for the near post where his effort was kept out by a combination of Hennessey and Williams.that was the signal for Georgia to really throwmenforward,butwales held firm for a precious win.