Nick Littlewood:#WALNIR, external isn't exactly a feast of football. More a pigeon-pecked empty sandwich packet laying in the street

Johnny Magrinho: I've never seen someone manage to dip the ball so much when taking free kicks as Bale does. Exceptional technique it really is.

Another chance for Aaron Ramsey to make something happen as Steven Davis takes down Jonny Williams just inside the Wales half. He gets a booking and Wales get the free-kick. It's poor from Ramsey, though, more of a pass back to the Northern Ireland defence.

Image source, Getty Images

Aaron Ramsey is just starting to have a bit of influence on this game now. He spots Chris Gunter's lung-busting run down the right. He waits, before feeding a pass to him but Gunter's cross is dealt with by the Northern Ireland defence.

Second change for Wales as Joe Ledley is replaced by Jonny Williams. Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill opts to hold off on introducing fresh legs for now. Half an eye on the possibility of extra time?

Image source, PA

Five shots from Wales so far but only one has hit the target, that was Gareth Bale's free-kick a few minutes ago.

Three have gone wide, while one has been blocked.

Image source, Opta

Sam Vokes had the fewest touches of any outfield player before he was substituted. That, coupled with his miss, makes for a performance to forget for him.

Northern Ireland break at pace straight from that Gareth Bale free kick and Neil Taylor takes one for the team by halting the attack with a foul. Martin Atkinson flashes a yellow card his way.

John Hartson
Ex-Wales striker on BBC Radio 5 live

That is a keeper who's done his prep and homework. He knows exactly where Bale is hitting that. It's a free-kick with precision. It's a fantastic save.

Image source, Getty Images

Robbie Savage
Ex-Wales midfielder on BBC One

The game has come to life in the 57th minute

Image source, AP

...Gareth Bale steps back, breathes out and makes his run up. He strikes the ball well, up and over the wall but Michael McGovern dives to thump away superbly.

Image source, Getty Images

Gareth Bale drives inside from the right, Oliver Norwood dives in and Bale tumbles. Free kick and definite Bale territory...

A crime, as John Hartson puts it, that Sam Vokes is punished for as that proves to be his last action of the game. He's replaced by Hal Robson-Kanu.

Image source, Reuters

John Hartson
Ex-Wales striker on BBC Radio 5 live

That's the one chance you need Sam Vokes. He's 14 yards out - a free header and he misses the target, which is a crime.

Robbie Savage
Ex-Wales midfielder on BBC One

What ball from Aaron Ramsey . It comes off the top of Sam Vokes' head - he couldn't quite direct it on target.

Oh, what a chance for Wales! 

It's been a promising start to the half by Northern Ireland but their desire to attack almost costs them as they are left with gaps at the back. Aaron Ramsey tries to exploit them with a great ball for Sam Vokes, who beats Craig Cathcart but heads just wide. Should have done better.

Gerry Taggart
Former Northern Ireland captain on BBC Radio 5 live

Michael O'Neill may have to think about making a change, because one more challenge like that from Stuart Dallas and he could be off the pitch.

Image source, Reuters

Stuart Dallas well in the thick of things in the early stages of this half. First, he make sure Gareth Bale knows he is on the pitch with a feisty challenge, before then taking a free-kick for Northern Ireland. It's overworked, though, and the chance passes.

Gerry Armstrong
Former Northern Ireland international on BBC One

It's a real positive start for Northern Ireland. They've come out on the front foot.

Image source, PA

Promising run by Kyle Lafferty. He picks up the ball midway inside the Wales half and charges goalwards. His run is ended by a very casual stick-out-of-the-boot by James Chester.  

Still, positive start by Northern Ireland.