The evenly-matched contest looked poised to end in a stalemate, but the Real Madrid man - who made it six goals in seven qualifiers - thumped home a firm header with eight minutes remaining.

Consequently, the visitors, who remain top of Group B, can reach next summer's finals by beating Israel at the weekend.

Wales striker Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier between Cyprus and Wales at GPS Stadium on September 3, 2015 © Getty Images

CYPRUS

Goal

Antonis Giorgallides: Made a hash of Bale's routine free kick in the early stages, but immediately atoned to keep out Taylor for the first of several good saves throughout the clash. Blameless for the goal. (7/10)

Defence

Jason Demetriou: As brilliant as Bale's opener was, Demetriou allowed himself to be used as a climbing frame of sorts for the Welshman en route to his bullet header. (4/10)

Kostas Laifis: One of Cyprus's better defenders throughout and pulled off a magnificent challenge to deny Bale in the first half. (6/10)

Dossa Junior: Shackled Robson-Kanu well at times, although it was his botched challenge which led to Bale galloping through on goal in the opening half. (5/10)

Marios Antoniades: Provided plenty of width but did not venture forward enough - especially in the second half - to stretch Wales as much as they could have been. (5/10)

Midfield

Constantinos Charalambides: At 34, the veteran certainly did not disgrace himself, though he failed to contribute much on the night. (5/10)

Georgios Economides: Despite his name, was not overly economic in possession and conceded the ball regularly with Hollywood passes. (4/10)

Marios Nikolaou: Cannot fault his effort by virtue of the fact that he was one of the few players to register a shot - and he finished up with three but none of them tested Hennessey. (6/10)

Constantinos Makridis: One of Cyprus's better creative sparks on the night, but ultimately failed to unlock a stubborn Wales defence. (5/10)

Attack

Antreas Makris: Looked to have a good understanding with strike partner Mytidis at times, whereas other times they looked like a couple of strangers who were asked to play together. (5/10)

Nestor Mytidis: Far and away Cyprus's best player on the night, but could have done with service from injured pair Georgios Efrem and Demetris Christofi as much of his hard work went unrewarded. (7/10)

WALES

Goal

Wayne Hennessey: Had barely anything to do all game, but pulled off a smart stop at the death to preserve the victory. (7/10)

Defence

Chris Gunter: Endured a nervy moment in the opening minutes when Mytidis picked his pocket, but Williams covered for his centre-back partner. Okay overall. (6/10)

Ashley Williams: Bale will make the headlines, but such a victory could not have been possible without the defensive work by Williams in both halves. Excellent overall from the skipper. (8/10)

Ben Davies: Nowhere near his best following an absence at international level, but did not have much to contend with. (6/10)

Neil Taylor: Missed a gilt-edged chance in the first half, but attacked really well overall and should have had a second-half assist but Ramsey missed from close range. (6/10)

Midfield

Andy King: Will be happy that he will not have to face Cyprus for a while, having been sent off in the reverse fixture and endured another poor night here. (4/10)

Dave Edwards: Unlucky to have what looked a legitimate goal disallowed in the first half. Very uninvolved before and after that. (6/10)

Ashley Richards: Bagged a wonderful assist to match a wonderful overall performance. (7/10)

Attack

Aaron Ramsey: Lukewarm from the Arsenal man, whose energy was impressive but he should have scored on two occasions. Had a hand in the goal, though. (6/10)

Hal Robson-Kanu: Got through plenty of work but a goal never looked on the cards tonight. (5/10)

Gareth Bale:Wales's star man came up with the goods again but it papered over a mixed display from the Real Madrid player, whose pace caused problems at times but far too infrequently. (7/10)

Substitutes

Sam Vokes: Might have fancied a starting berth, but did okay nonetheless when he was subbed on for Robson-Kanu. (5/10)