Gareth Bale headed a late winner to ensure that Wales remain unbeaten at the top of Group B and move within touching distance of a first major tournament since 1958 with a 1-0 victory over Cyprus.

Bale nearly created a goal for Aaron Ramsey after just seven minutes when he darted past three challenges before playing in the Arsenal man, 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.

As Cyprus grew into the game after the restart Wayne Hennessey was finally forced into action on his 50th appearance for Wales, when he parried Marios Nikolaou's long-range drive.

Giorgos Economides fired just over the bar as the hosts threatened again before Ramsey spurned another opportunity by volleying Taylor's pass straight at Georgallides, but with eight minutes remaining Bale struck.

Jazz Richards lifted a cross into the penalty area and the Real Madrid man leapt highest to power home his sixth goal of the qualifying campaign and ensure that victory over Israel on Sunday would see Wales qualify for Euro 2016.