CHERRIES star Chris Mepham played 90 minutes as Wales secured promotion to the top tier of the Nations League, with a 3-1 win over 10-man Finland in Cardiff.

Harry Wilson, Daniel James and Kieffer Moore were on target as Wales moved up to League A and virtually guaranteed themselves a 2022 World Cup play-off spot.

Norwich’s Teemu Pukki had halved the deficit to set up an anxious half-hour for the Dragons, but Moore’s header six minutes from time eased Welsh nerves.

Finland needed to win to deprive Wales of top spot in Group B4, but they were forced to play with 10 men for 78 minutes after Jere Uronen hauled down former Cherries loanee Wilson with the forward through on goal.

David Brooks also came off the bench for the Dragons, the Cherries playmaker replaced James for the latter stages of the contest.

Meanwhile, Jefferson Lerma played 66 minutes as Colombia were thumped 6-1 in a World Cup Qualifier against Ecuador.