Wales 3 Scotland 0

The friendly international between Wales and Scotland at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, Nov 14 2009.

Aaron Ramsey inspired Wales to a one-sided victory in the first ever international at the Cardiff City Stadium to place even more pressure on under-fire Scotland manager George Burley.

The Arsenal midfielder was involved in the opening two goals, converted by David Edwards and Simon Church before Ramsey scored his second goal for Wales, all three coming in a remarkable first half.

Burley gave a debut to Daniel Fox, the 23-year-old Cheshire-born Celtic defender while Ashley Williams, the Swansea defender, became the 11th captain to lead Wales under manager John Toshack.

Williams, whose appearance received a mixed reception from the Cardiff fans in the stadium, was need to lead his country after Craig Bellamy, Simon Davies and James Collins all withdrew from the fixture.

Scotland made seven changes from the side that lost 2-0 in Japan, but predictatbly the Tartan Army was out in force with around 5,000 travelling fans adding some atmosphere to an otherwise sparsely populated arena.

Wales, fielding a side with an average age of just 22, made the first impression with Andy Marshall, the Cardiff goalkeeper playing for Scotland in place of the injured Craig Gordon, tipping over from Wales’ Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

However, within the opening five minutes, Scotland had chances to take the lead, firstly when James McFadden saw his shot parried by Wayne Hennessey before Steven Naismith sent the rebound wide, and then when Kenny Miller’s effort was blocked.

However, in the 17th minute, Wales took the lead through Edwards. Sam Ricketts fed Ramsey whose cross from the right found the Wolves midfielder who finished impressively to claim his third goal for his adopted country.

And Scotland suffered a further set-back when Wales doubled their lead in the 32nd minute. Again Ramsey was involved, threading the ball forward to Jo Ledley, whose cross was turned in from close range by Church.

And within three minutes Ramsey claimed a marvellous individual effort, running at the Scotland defence and beating three white shirts before finishing superbly to embarrass the visitors.

And it could have got worse for Scotland before the break when Ched Evans was thwarted by Marshall.

Wales changed their attack at half time with Evans and Church making way for Robert Earnshaw and Sam Vokes. And within two minutes Vokes was sent clear and Marshall handled outside the area but received only a yellow card.

Burley made two changes within 10 minutes of the second half with Fox and Miller making way for Steven Fletcher and Lee Wallace. And soon afterwards Ramsey was rested, with Joe Allen coming on.

Scotland’s fans did their best to inspire their team and Hennessey had to tip over a head from Scotland’s Cardiff player Ross McCormack in the closing stages.