Advertisement
Ben Woodburn celebrates his winner for Wales

92nd-minute winner spares Wales' blushes as they're pushed all the way by Trinidad and Tobago

Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn scored the late goal for Giggs’ men in the international friendly.

WALES GOT THEIR 2019 off to a winning start as Ben Woodburn’s stoppage-time goal claimed an unconvincing 1-0 friendly victory over Trinidad and Tobago at the Racecourse Ground.

Ryan Giggs made nine changes from the XI that started the 1-0 defeat to Albania in November, with star duo Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey also left out.

And though their absence was felt as Wales’ inexperienced line-up toiled for much of Wednesday’s clash in Wrexham, Liverpool forward Woodburn was on hand to bundle home in the 92nd minute.

Things could have been different if not for Chris Gunter’s goal-line block at the other end, but Wales will be buoyed ahead of their opening Euro 2020 qualifier against Slovakia.

Ryan Hedges posed an early threat with a superb cross into Tyler Roberts, but he directed his header straight at Marvin Phillip.

George Thomas went close to making Wales’ dominance count when he dragged an effort just wide on the stroke of half-time, and the 21-year-old forced a fine save out of Phillip 11 minutes after the restart.

Wales were almost caught cold soon after, though – Gunter reacting sharply to clear Aubrey David’s strike off the line.

The offside flag denied Thomas a maiden Wales goal with 24 minutes remaining, but the deadlock was finally broken when Will Vaulks’ looped cross found its way to Woodburn, who chested the ball in from point-blank range.

Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:

Author
View 6 comments
Close
6 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gareth Ward
    Favourite Gareth Ward
    Report
    Sep 13th 2020, 10:15 PM

    That’s some half backline UCC have, intercounty standard! Maybe a bit light in the forwards with conway being the only standout name. But hopefully they will get a few more big names back from defeated clubs after this weekend.

    Hope UCC win the cork championship, to highlight how crazy it is that they can compete.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Mcgrath
    Favourite Tony Mcgrath
    Report
    Sep 13th 2020, 10:17 PM

    @Gareth Ward: not a bad sub tipp senior mark kehoe

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny B
    Favourite Johnny B
    Report
    Sep 14th 2020, 12:20 AM

    @Gareth Ward: “but hopefully they will get a few big names back”. Is that because they were playing with their clubs and not available tonight? Can you see how stupid your comment is when you look at it like that! UCC bring nothing to the Cork SHC. Amend the rules now so that students at the start of the season have to declare for their club or college. But can’t play with both. Let’s see how many Paddy Cadells /Paddy O’Loughlins they have then.

    15
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gareth Ward
    Favourite Gareth Ward
    Report
    Sep 14th 2020, 9:22 AM

    @Johnny B: Read my comment again and you’ll understand son. That is exactly what i mean. As i said i do hope they win it to highlight how crazy it is that they can take part.
    I don’t particularly care what they add to the cork championship, which is why i want them to win!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny B
    Favourite Johnny B
    Report
    Sep 14th 2020, 9:47 AM

    @Gareth Ward: apologies. Twas late when I read your comment (and was after a few pints). Didn’t read it properly. Apologies again.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gareth Ward
    Favourite Gareth Ward
    Report
    Sep 14th 2020, 4:05 PM

    @Johnny B: Apparently they can get back montgomery from from waterford. And bill sheehan from dicksboro can play as well when he’s available. Assuming mark kehoe will start in the next game, they’ll have quiet a strong forward unit built up then!

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel