Ledley helps Wales limp to win

First-half goals from Robert Earnshaw and Joe Ledley were sufficient to prove to the agitated boss that they at least care about playing for their country as the collection of part-time footballers in this minute republic were beaten, if not convincingly.

Toshack has been unforgiving in his criticism in the wake of last weekend's dreadful showing and disappointing 3-1 defeat in Cyprus. He suggested his players were spoilt and that they were not excited about the prospect of pulling on a red shirt.

But there was a marked improvement here. After Earnshaw netted from Craig Bellamy's cross in the 13th minute there was little chance of any upset.

Nevertheless, the scoreline should have way more comprehensive. Four of those who started the game in Cyprus on Saturday did not do so in in a tiny ground that laughably carried the title 'The Olympic Stadium'.

Danny Coyne did not escape censure for the part he played during last Saturday's defeat — Lewis Price took his place in goal.

It was a difficult atmosphere that faced Toshack's players, chiefly because there was so little of it among 1,182 fans.

But relieved of pressure after the opening goal, the visitors would have made it two in the 35th minute but for the referee wrongly judging Earnshaw had fouled goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini before the ball found the net.

A minute later, West Ham striker Bellamy set up Ledley, who claimed his first goal for his c ountry from two yards out.

San Marino hit back when Andy Selva curled a free-kick over the wall and into the top corner with 17 minutes left.

But any chance of a fightback was dispelled when Nicola Albani was sent off in the closing minutes for a second bookable offence.

SAN MARINO (5-3-2): A Simoncini 5; C Valentini 4, D Simoncini 5, Della Valle 5, Albani 5, Vannucci 5 (Bugli 77min); Bonifazi 5 (Bonini 62, 5), Muccioli 5, Andreini 4; Selva 6, De Luigi 4 (Vitiaolo 80). Booked: C Valentini, Albani, Vannucci, Vitiaoli. Sent off: Albani.

WALES (4-4-2): Price 6; Eardley 6, Gabbidon 5, Nyatanga 5, Bale 6; Davies 6, Robinson 6, Ledley 6, Vaughan 5 (Ricketts 62, 5); Bellamy 7, Earnshaw 5. Booked: Bale, Ledley, Ricketts.

Man of the match: Craig Bellamy.

Referee: Anthony Zammit (Malta).