Wales 1-1 Northern Ireland: Home nations play out draw in Cardiff after play-off defeats

Wales fought back in the second half to draw 1-1 with Northern Ireland in a friendly following the two sides’ World Cup qualification play-off defeats last week.

A game with only pride at stake between these two home nations after losing their ties against Bosnia and Italy last week unsurprisingly started slowly but it was the visitors celebrating early on through Donley’s opener.

The Spurs youngster, currently on loan at Oxford, reacted quickest to seeing his header strike the upright as he tapped home the rebound.

Minutes later, Donley missed a huge chance to make it 2-0 as his close-range effort was saved by Karl Darlow.

Wales drew level early in the second half when David Brooks’ shot deflected into the path of Sorba Thomas who found the net.

The hosts upped the ante after that, with Harry Wilson pulling the strings and almost teeing up Neco Williams to head home before a good save from Pierce Charles.

It was Darlow’s turn for another eye-catching save shortly after though, denying Eoin Tolan’s try with his head.

Wilson then got his first flash of goal as we reached the final quarter but his half volley was blocked on the edge of the box.

Given it was a game neither wanted, there was plenty of purpose to win the game from both sides and the best chance in the closing stages went to Callum Marshall, who somehow headed over despite being unmarked to ensure the game ended level.