A dominant Wales side have had a goal controversially disallowed in the first half of their Euro 2016 Group B qualifying match against Cyprus, with the score level at 0-0 at half time in Nicosia.

Wales came into the match unbeaten in six qualifiers and three points clear of Belgium at the top of Group A, and were in charge for almost all of the first period but could not find the crucial breakthrough.

Gareth Bale scored five of his country's eight goals in their first six matches but almost turned provider after just seven minutes, darting past three challenges before playing in Aaron Ramsey, who curled narrowly over the crossbar after turning inside his marker.

Chris Coleman's side had an even better opportunity for an early goal three minutes later when Bale's ferocious free kick was only blocked by Antonis Georgallides and Neil Taylor's effort on the rebound was poor, allowing the goalkeeper to get in a recovery stop.

A fine piece of defending from Welsh captain Ashley Williams prevented Andreas Makris from converting Nestor Mytidis's clever pass, before the visitors were controversially denied an opener when Dave Edwards's header from Bale's cross was ruled out for a foul by Hal Robson-Kanu.

Wales's domination was nearly rewarded a minute before the break when Robson-Kanu pulled the ball back for Ramsey, but the midfielder tried to take a touch instead of shooting first time and the chance got away from him.