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The Welsh side secured a narrow 1-0 victory over underdogs Liechtenstein to keep alive their hopes of World Cup finals qualification.

Wales' James claimed his maiden goal for Wales from close range after the home side's mix of professionals, office workers and part-timers had held out for over an hour. James celebrated in elation with his obvious relief mirrored by the three thousand Wales supporters occupying three sides of the venue in Vaduz.

Soon afterwards, though, James was booked and another booking for Ethan Ampadu means both midfielders are ruled out for the upcoming crunch tie with North Macedonia through disciplinary issues.

That Wales' ground match is a clash Wales must win to move above their rivals and obtain a more favourable position in the qualifying playoffs in next spring.

Bellamy had an different view from the dugout, Bellamy undertaking a technical area prohibition after picking up a second yellow card in the tournament earlier.

The manager's deputy his assistant took his place in the coaching zone and several key players – James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Williams – were at risk of suspension from sitting out the last group game. A pair were booked in situations that might hamper Wales.

Their opponents, situated near the bottom in global rankings, had not scored in their winless run and let in 23 goals at an average of around four per match.

Wales as expected dominated possession as their hosts employed a compact shape and defended in numbers.

The home goal was rarely tested until the forward's high press caused a mistake and Jordan James saw his shot from the 18-yard line pushed aside by the goalkeeper.

A similar move created another chance, Jordan locating his teammate on this occasion with a well-weighted ball into space.

The attacker's excellent control beat the keeper but the forward could not convert from a narrow position.

Wales felt they scored the opener after the first half when Jordan James directed a high Thomas corner back into a crowded goal area.

The Liechtenstein keeper was flustered by Lawlor and Joe Rodon, and his poor clearance fell to Broadhead who drove home emphatically. But Wales' celebrations were curtailed when the match official was instructed to the video review system and determined that at least one of the Welsh defenders was in an offside from James’s initial touch.

Wales increased the pressure after the break and Thomas provided a cross to the back post which the winger struck the frame of the goal.

Williams then directed his header off target from within the goal area as it began to look like one of those nights for the Welsh side.

But, with the contest having ticked into its 61st minute, Williams delivered a intelligent pass for his teammate to run past the Liechtenstein defenders.

Daniel James bypassed the goalkeeper with a delightful pass across the face of goal, and his teammate Jordan James had the simple job of relieving Wales' tension.