Wales 2 - 0 Northern Ireland: Northern Irish left with wooden spoon as Wales strike in style

Gary Speed claimed his first win as Wales manager, while Northern Ireland ended up with the wooden spoon at the inaugural Carling Nations Cup.

Aaron Ramsey netted his third international goal, before Rob Earnshaw came off the bench to put the low-key match beyond Nigel Worthington's men and claim a 2-0 victory.

The loss meant Northern Ireland ended the tournament in Dublin without a single point or even a goal, while conceding ten over the three games.

Both nations headed into last night's match knowing the silverware was beyond their grasp and the stadium was near empty, with neutral fans - gaining free entry after paying for tickets for previous matches - outnumbering those supporting the Welsh and Northern Ireland.

Ramsey returned as captain for Wales after being rested for Wednesday's game against Scotland while fit-again Craig Bellamy also featured in a stronger line-up. Northern Ireland made five changes from the side thrashed 5-0 by the Republic of Ireland, bringing in Jonny Tuffey, Colin Coates, Oliver Norwood, Robert Garrett and Niall McGinn.

The breakthrough came after 36 minutes when Craig Bellamy's cross from the left was punched clear by Tuffey and fell kindly for Ramsey 15 yards out to rifle a ferocious shot high into the net.

Wales could have doubled their lead shortly after the restart when Jack Collison teed up the shot for Bellamy but he blasted high and wide from distance, before sending a free-kick swerving across goal and past the upright. That proved to be his last chance to add his name to the scoresheet when he was replaced by Earnshaw after an hour, with Collison swapped for Owain Tudur Jones.

Earnshaw - who netted against Scotland on Wednesday night - doubled Wales' advantage with 69 minutes gone when he collected from David Cotterill, turned and lashed past the grasp of Tuffey from 20 yards.

There was no way back for Northern Ireland and they finished bottom of the group, with Scotland and the Republic set to contest the silverware in the competition's climax tomorrow night.

Wales: Hennessey (Price 74), Gunter (Matthews 72), Taylor, Collison (Tudur Jones 62), Collins, Gabbidon, Cotterill, Bellamy (Earnshaw 62), Morison (Vokes 80), Ramsey (Dorman 89), Vaughan. Subs not used: Morgan, King, Easter, Eardley, Myhill.

Northern Ireland: Tuffey, Hodson, Coates, Cathcart (Dallas 63), McAuley, Norwood, Carson, Garrett (Winchester 76), McGinn (Owens 80), Feeney (Boyce 73), Gorman. Subs not used: Blayney, McQuoid.

Referee: A Kelly (Ire)

Attendance: 529