Different game, same old story.
Ireland have fallen to a 1-0 defeat in Cardiff, with the same issues plaguing the team once again. They passed the ball well, especially in the first 60 minutes.
However, they failed to create any chances of note. Wales would take the first one that fell their way, with Randolph then keeping Ireland in the game late on.
Here's how we rated the performances on the night.
Ireland Player Ratings
Darren Randolph - 7
Had very little to do in the first half and could do little for David Brooks' goal. He pulled off a brilliant save late on to deny Brooks a second having been left stranded by his teammates.
He also denied Keifer Moore in stoppage time.
Matt Doherty - 6
Back in the right back position, Doherty didn't really get forward as much as you would have hoped in the opening half. However, he did defend well on the few occasions he was asked to do so.
Was caught out at the back post for the Welsh goal when Bale nodded the ball back across the post, but it is difficult to blame him with the ball having ricocheted off Duffy.
Shane Duffy - 5
Duffy was asked very few questions defensively in the opening 45 minutes, with his main contribution coming at the other end. He will be a bit disappointed not to have done better with a number of headed efforts, especially the one early in the second half.
He did well to reach the initial cross in the buildup to the Wales goal, but he could only steer his header directly up in the air. This ultimately proved to be the difference.
Kevin Long - 5
Not really tested in the opening half, but Long did look good on the ball when playing out from the back.
However, he was caught out of position on numerous occasions in the final half an hour.
Dara O'Shea - 6
For a player who had only featured in the position on a couple of previous occasions, O'Shea looked extremely comfortable at left back during the opening exchanges. Tasked with looking after Gareth Bale, he did so brilliantly.
He didn't have pose much of a threat going forward, but that's understandable for a right-footed natural centre back. The defensive failings late on did not come from him.
Jayson Molumby - 7
Molumby did very well to block off space in the midfield when Wales were in possession, bringing the type of energy to the middle third that was so lacking at Wembley.
The Brighton man certainly brings a bit of bite to the middle third, something Ireland haven't had in quite a while. He should be starting in this team going forward, although he will miss the Bulgaria game due to suspension.
Jeff Hendrick - 3
Operating in a deeper role than the one we have seen in recent games, Hendrick did attempt to drive forward on occasion. However, his final ball was found lacking right from the first whistle.
Things didn't work for him at all, with Wales being gifted two golden opportunities in the final ten minutes thanks his sloppiness on the ball. Sent off late on to compound a miserable performance.
Robbie Brady - 6
Came close to opening the scoring early on with a shot that just whistled over the crossbar. Brady was the one who looked most likely to make things happen for Ireland in the opening half, playing some dangerous balls in behind the Welsh defence.
His set-piece delivery was impressive, finding the head of Duffy on a number of occasions. He certainly looked at home in the number ten role.
Daryl Horgan - 5
Horgan pressed relentlessly when Ireland were out of possession, turning the ball over in dangerous positions on a couple of occasions. However, he didn't really offer anything in attack.
Having been one of Ireland better players against England, it was a disappointing outing for the Wycombe Wanderers player.
Adam Idah - 6
Idah dropped deep quite often in search of the ball early on, unlike the England game, he also got into the box. He has a couple of half chances in the game, although he was closed down by the Welsh defence before he could get a shot off.
He is improving with each start, but you get the sense he needs a goal to really get himself up and running in the team.
James McClean - 6
McClean injected plenty of energy into the Ireland team early on and wasn't shy in demanding the ball. He forced a decent save from Danny Ward with a shot from a tight angle.
His influence on proceedings wained as the contest went on, with Wales getting more of the ball. Even then, he did continue to work hard.
Substitutes
Jason Knight - 6
Knight looked lively after coming on, operating on the right wing as opposed to his favoured central midfield role.
He tried to make things happen out wide and tracked back well on the occasions Wales broke forward. He should be given a chance from the start against Bulgaria.
Conor Hourihane - 5
Other than a glancing header at the near post in injury time, he didn't impact the game at all after replacing Molumby.
James Collins - 6
Had a testing long-range effort just after coming on and worked hard after his introduction. He tried to make things happen, not being afraid to take on the responsibility of taking a shot on.
Jack Byrne & Callum O'Dowda - N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
SEE ALSO: Ireland U21s Victims Of Their Own Success After Ruing Absence Of Star Players
