DRAGONS ON POLE

But after knocking out a poor Finnish side, Wales must now beat the king of the finishers

- NEIL MOXLEY

ROB PAGE'S Red Dragons passed their first play-off test with distinction as qualification for the European Championship moved a giant step closer.

The opening part of the potential double-header afforded them comfortable passage to a decider next Tuesday against Poland after their young guns proved too hot for the Finns to handle.

Goals before the break from David Brooks and Neco Williams laid the platform and, even though the evergreen Teemu Pukki briefly caused doubts by reducing the arrears on the stroke of half-time, Brennan Johnson's early second-half strike put the hosts in control.

Substitute Daniel James confirmed the victory when he capitalised on a late defensive howler to send a sell-out crowd home happy.

Wales now must beat the Poles and star striker Robert Lewandowski - in Cardiff on Tuesday to qualify for their third successive Euros and the first one without the influence of Gareth Bale.

It was a mature show from Page's young side, who profited from weak defending but were in little danger almost from the off.