WALES v Hungary

Last updated : 19 February 2005 By Gary Fish
In a fast paced first half both teams have plenty of possession and attempts to take the lead with Carl Robinson coming closest for Wales, his effort from 12 yards striking the post from a Rob Earnshaw pass.

Just before half time, West brom's Zsolt Gera sees his free kick strike the Wales cross bar as Hungary almost steal the lead before the interval.

Carl Fletcher and Carl Robinson have been solid for Wales in the midfield, both in defending and setting up attacks.

Up front Bellamy, who hasn't played since January 15th has been impressive full of running, that he's known for, while Rob Earnshaw has been a bit disappointing.

Disappointingly for Cardiff, Danny Gabbidon picked up some sort of injury through the first half, and may make way for club team mate Rhys Weston.

Further news filtering through the media circus at the game suggests that Big John's injury may not be a problem with his back, but a problem with his hip, following Celtic's Scottish Cup win at Dunfermline on their artificial pitch.

Rhys Weston replaces Edwards at right full-back just after the start of the second half. Edwards was struggling with fitness, and hasn't had much in the way of match practice in recent times.

63 MINUTES gone CRAIG BELLAMY hits a poweful FREE KICK which bounces in front of the goalkeeper and finds its way into the net. 1-0 WALES!!

Former Cymru Alliance player Buckley Town player Danny Collins replaces Dave Partridge at the back for Wales.

Robert Earnshaw is replaced by Gareth Roberts after 75 minutes.

80 MINUTES gone WALES 2-0. Great ball with the outside of his foot by Simon Davies to set up Craig Bellamy who finishes well past Crystal Palace's Kiraly in goal who should have done better as the ball goes under his body and trickles over the line.

With just minutes to go Toshack gives Wrexham centre back Steve Roberts his first taste of international football, albeit, for 90 seconds.

Overall a pretty impressive display by a Welsh side with no fewer than 7 players out of the squad. Craig Bellamy and Carl Robinson both could have hat-tricks, woth the help of some desperate goalkeeping by Kiraly for Hungary.

Captain for the night, Rob Page was solid in defence alongside Gabbidon who shook off an injury, and debutant Dave Patridge of Motherwell who played for the best part of the game before being replaced.

West Ham's Carl Fletcher also played a blinder in his debut, and coach John Toshack will be mightily impressed with the way his relatively young squad handled the game on a rainy night in Cardiff in front of just 16000 fans.