IT was a long time coming, but the return of international football to Wrexham proved worth the wait as Wales earned a last-gasp victory over Trinidad and Tobago.

An injury-time Ben Woodburn goal clinched a 1-0 in the friendly against the Caribbean visitors, as Ryan Giggs’ side warmed up for this weekend's European Championship qualifier with Slovakia.

A raucous and expectant crowd of 10,326 packed The Racecourse as the famous old ground hosted its 94th international - its first since 2008.

That 11-year absence had clearly whetted the collective appetite of Dragons fans, who sang proudly from the outset and greeted Giggs’ men with a hero’s welcome upon taking the field.

The nation’s sporting pride had soared after Warren Gatland’s all-conquering side claimed the Six Nations Grand Slam days earlier, and the buoyancy among the Welsh supporters suggested the celebrations were still ongoing.

A rare home fixture being played outside of the capital must have felt like a homecoming for north Walians, whose loyalty and considerable presence at international matches is often overlooked.

Speaking of homecomings, there was a warm welcome too for Trinidad boss and former Wrexham favourite Dennis Lawrence whose five years with the Reds are still fondly recalled.

The crowd’s reaction as the respective managers’ names were read out spoke volumes; with Lawrence’s name greeted with a bigger cheer than his Welsh counterpart, with the jury still out for many on Giggs’ managerial qualities at this level.

Ranked 93rd in FIFA’s world rankings, Lawrence’s unfancied side went into the friendly priced as 12-1 outsiders by most bookmakers.

With Giggs’ pre-match comments citing a need to afford his younger players more game time, the omission of the talismanic Gareth Bale from the 18-man squad was no real surprise.

The Real Madrid megastar made his international debut as a fresh-faced 16 year-old against the Soca Warriors in 2006, but was rested with the Slovakian clash in mind.

But in a matchday squad already without Aaron Ramsey, Sam Vokes and Tom Lawrence, the added absence of Bale, Joe Allen and Premier League starlets David Brooks and Ethan Ampadu did detract from the spectacle.

But there was plenty of support for an experimental Dragons side that included debutant Will Vaulks in midfield, and who were marshalled by veteran centre back Ashley Williams, winning his 84th cap on the night.

The hosts had fashioned the opening chance when Woodburn’s cushioned ball was crossed into the six-yard box for Tyler Roberts, whose header was easily claimed by Trinidad keeper Marvin Phillip.

On 15 minutes, Chris Gunter found space to cross from an advanced position down the right, but the lively Ryan Hedges was unable to connect with sufficient power at the far post.

Woodburn was then picked out in the six yard box from Vaulks’ whipped ball but his downward header lacked conviction and failed to trouble Phillip.

A limited Trinidad side seemed content to sit in against a Welsh attack that lacked a focal point, with Woodburn frequently their most advanced player in lieu of a natural number nine.

The closest either side came to an opener arrived on 42 minutes when Leicester City youngster George Thomas drilled a low right-footed effort wide from the corner of the box.

Woodburn was then on the receiving end of a poorly-timed studs up challenge from Kevan George, who was then booked.

A bright start to the second half saw Woodburn manufacture an early chance - sending a ball through to Roberts who couldn’t quite latch on to the pass.

George Thomas then stung the palms of Phillip with a crisp rising strike that was turned over the bar, before Trinidad came close to a shock lead when a goalbound effort from full-back Aubrey David was cleared off the line by opposite number Gunter.

The tempo picked up after the hour mark with Vaulks smashing a deflected effort inches wide of the upright.

Thomas then thought he’d put Wales ahead, heading home from six yards after Hedges shot had been blocked, but the linesman flagged for offside.

Two minutes into injury-time and a goalless stalemate looked imminent until Woodburn bundled the ball over the line with his chest from Vaulk’s lofted cross to the back post and sent the home supporters into raptures of delight.

Wrexham may not have the allure of Cardiff but it can at least retain its claim to being one of the national team’s spiritual homes.