Robson-Kanu and Ramsey leave it late against Moldova to keep Wales in the hunt

Wales leapfrogged over Ireland into second place in group D thanks to late goals from Hal Robson-Kanu and Aaron Ramsey in Chisenau.
Robson-Kanu broke the deadlock with a diving header 10 minutes from time – set up by the again impressive teenage substitute Ben Woodburn – and Aaron Ramsey settled the game with a deflected effort in stoppage time.
Wales welcomed back Joe Allen from suspension as Chris Coleman made three changes. Andy King and Robson-Kanu also came into the side which beat Austria 1-0 on Saturday, with Jazz Richards, David Edwards and Sam Vokes dropping out.
Wales famously lost in Chisinau in 1994 when Moldova celebrated their first competitive fixture as an independent nation following the break-up of the old Soviet Union. But the Dragons arrived in high spirits following the dramatic win over Austria which had rekindled hopes of World Cup qualification.
The fact the top two were meeting in Dublin added intrigue to the evening, but Wales knew they had to take care of their own business to stay in the reckoning for a finals place in Russia next summer.
Robson-Kanu had the first chance of a cagey opening when he headed Ramsey’s corner wide and there was concern for Wales when Gareth Bale was left in a crumpled heap by Alexandru Epureanu. The Moldova captain was booked as Bale rose gingerly to his feet, but the challenge seemed to stir the hosts as Alexandru Dedov and Artur Ionita tried their luck from distance.
Wales were almost ahead after 19 minutes when a quick break saw the goalkeeper Ilie Cebanu fail to hold Bale’s shot, but neither Ramsey nor Robson-Kanu could force the rebound home. Their first-half superiority was threatening to turn into a siege as Moldova struggled to find a way out of defence and Tom Lawrence and Ramsey both had half-chances but failed to test Cebanu.
Wales turned to Saturday’s saviour Woodburn on the hour and the Liverpool teenager was instantly into the action with a clipped cross which Robson-Kanu was just unable to reach. A horrible mistake in the Wales defence, James Chester hesitating and Ashley Williams missing his kick, almost gifted Radu Ginsari the opener. But Ginsari dwelled on the ball and Chester got back to atone for his error.
Ramsey fired over and it looked as if was going to be one of those oh-so-nearly nights for Wales. But then, with 10 minutes remaining, Woodburn burst down the left and his brilliant cross was met by Robson-Kanu.
Wayne Hennessey then produced a fine stop to deny Andrei Cojocari before Ramsey’s sealed the points for Wales.

SOURCE : GUARDIAN SPORTS
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