KIEFFER PROVES A WALES YOUNG GUN
Moore keeps Dragons in mix
KIEFFER MOORE’S early strike boosted Wales’ play-off bid as they took their fight with the Czech Republic down to the wire.
The Cardiff ace rattled home in the 12th minute to give the visitors the lead that they held on to comfortably for a big three points in Tallinn.
But he’ll miss out on the crunch clash with Belarus next month after picking up a booking last night.
Wales now level on 11 points – five behind leaders Belgium – with the Czechs, who have played a game more.
And with a double-header against the Belarusians and Belgium ahead next month, it’s all in their hands.
Welsh boss Robert Page said: “It’s been a great camp for us. Tonight was frustrating at times, giving the ball away cheaply, in the second half we had to dig a trench and defend resolutely.
“But it’s three points and we’re happy with that.
“I’m extremely disappointed to lose Kieffer, he’s come off injured too after a knock to the head. He’ll be a big miss in the next game but now we’ve two cup finals in November.”
The Welsh raced into a 12th-minute lead when Aaron Ramsey was denied by a goal-line clearance after some pinball in the a area following a Daniel James corner.
But Moore – who picked up a booking and will miss the next clash – was on hand to poke home his seventh Wales goal from just a yard out.
The Bluebirds striker then came close to doubling the lead with a cute flick at the near post from James’ cross.
But Wales were lucky when Harry Wilson played a careless pass across goal and Joe Rodon cleared off the line.
In an increasingly-physical contest which yielded seven bookings, Wales had another huge let-off five minutes into the second period.
Markus Poom’s superblydelivered free-kick was met by the head of Erik Sorga just six yards out but the ball whistled just over the crossbar.
Wales might have had a penalty when Moore was sent sprawling by Marten Kuusk’s flailing arm but even his bloodied nose wasn’t enough evidence after a VAR review with a free-kick actually awarded to Estonia.
Hero Moore said: “Every time we come together it’s good, we epitomise the ‘Together Stronger’ slogan and it’s in our hands to finish second.”