WREXHAM'S OWN Neco Williams was one of the heroes as Wales moved a step closer to qualifying for UEFA Euro 2024 last night (March 21).
The Cefn Mawr native was awarded Man of the Match for his performance as he scored a superb free-kick (set up nicely by fellow north Walian Harry Wilson) in an important 4-1 win over Finland in Cardiff.
Further goals from David Brooks, Brennan Johnson and Daniel James set up a clash with Poland on Tuesday (March 26) to decide who earns a place at the major tournament to be held in Germany this summer.
And Williams' strike was the pick of the bunch as Corwen's Wilson cutely rolled the ball back to his feet and he then arrowed it in to the top right corner.
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After the match, the full-back took to X (formerly Twitter) to write; "Pick that one out."
Pick that out🫡🎯 pic.twitter.com/Qfm8dQM0F2
— Neco Williams (@necowilliams01) March 21, 2024
You can watch the goal that had the Cardiff City stadium rocking via Sgorio's X page here ...
Am gôl! Am gic rydd! 🚀
— Sgorio ⚽️ (@sgorio) March 21, 2024
Neco Williams yn dyblu mantais Cymru 🙌
Neco Williams, take a bow! 2-0!@Cymru @S4C | #WALFIN pic.twitter.com/sQn2HP7P8V
Speaking to Sgorio about the Gareth Bale-esque free-kick after the match, Williams said: "Wasn't planned or anything, it was just instinct. Happy to score for my country, it's always a special feeling even just to put on the shirt.
"But, to score is just the cherry on top."
22-year-old Neco Williams is from the village of Cefn Mawr in Wrexham and is a former pupil of Ysgol Rhiwabon.
Having previously played for Liverpool and then on loan at Fulham, the full-back now plays for fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest.
As well as that, the full-back has become a vital part of the Wales national team, even playing in the nation's first World Cup since 1958 when he donned the red shirt at Qatar 2022 last December.
He has so far earned 37 caps for Wales, scoring four times.
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