Gareth Bale was the star of the show as Wales opened their 2018 World Cup Group D qualifying campaign in style against Moldova.

Chris Coleman's Dragons scored a 4-0 victory in Cardiff with two goals either side of half-time, finished off by a Bale brace.

Burnley striker Sam Vokes gave Wales the lead when he leapt above his marker to head home a delightful Bale cross in the 38th minute.

The home side's lead was soon doubled when Moldova keeper Ilie Cebanu did not do enough to clear Joe Ledley's corner with the ball falling for Stoke City recruit Joe Allen who fired home a first-time effort for his first international goal.

Five minutes into the second half and the Welsh were 3-0 when Real Madrid superstar Bale receive an absolute gift of a backpass from Ion Jardan before advancing into the area and deftly chipping beyond Cebanu.

And it was all wrapped up in injury time when Bale was pulled down in the area and stepped up to successfully convert form 12 yards for his 24th goal for his country.