Wales 1 Georgia 1: Dragons lucky to earn point in Cardiff as Gareth Bale closes on Ian Rush record
REAL MADRID star scored his 25th goal for his country and is now three behind Ian Rush's record
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WALES failed to build on their point in Austria by struggling to a 1-1 draw at home to Georgia despite going ahead.
Gareth Bale handed the home side a perfect start after just 10 minutes when he leaped highest to head home Joe Ledley's corner.
It was goal number 25 for his country and is now just three behind the great Ian Rush's record of 28.
But Georgia, ranked 137 in the world, responded and deservedly drew level 10 minutes after half-time through Tornike Okriashvili's header.
The away side should have won it when Vladimer Dvalishvili went through on goal but put the ball wide with just Wayne Hennessey to beat.
Wales, who sat joint top of their group with four points before the clash, were favourites to pick up all three points before the game but were often second best especially in the second half.
Georgia could have folded after conceding so early but to their credit they had spells of possession and kept the home fans quiet.
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And they nearly drew level before the half time whistle when Jano Ananidze clipped the top of the crossbar from a free-kick.
But Georgia didn't have to wait long in the second half when they broke down the left before Valeri Qazaishvili's cross was met by Okriashvili who had peeled away from Swansea's Neil Taylor.
Wales looked towards Bale to rescue the home side and he nearly produced from a free-kick but he rippled the roof of the net with the keeper rooted.
Georgia's pressure was mounting and they were unlucky not to grab the lead once again when Qazaishvili rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort.
The absence of Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen in midfield was evident as Wales struggled to create opportunities as they will feel it is two points dropped.