Wales Under 17
RESULT: Wales 3 Czech Republic 1.
GOALS:
Charley Edge 53.
Connor Evans 63.
George Thomas 67.
Wales line up:
1.Lewis Thomas (Swansea City)
2.Clive Smith (Preston North End)
3.Cian Harries (Coventry City)
4.Dylan Thomas (Swansea City)
5.Rollin Menayese (Cardiff City)
6.Aron Davies (Bristol City)
7.Charley Edge (Everton)
8.George Thomas (Coventry City)
9.Connor Evans (Bristol City)
10.Joeseff Morrell (Bristol City) (c)
11.Daniel Byrnes (Oldham Athletic)
12.Luke Pilling (Tranmere Rovers)
13.Rhys Abbruzzese (Cardiff City)
14.Tom Fry (Bristol City)
15.Joe Rodon (Swansea City)
16.Joe McNulty (Bristol City)
17.Daniel James (Hull City)
18.Tom Shepherd (Stoke City).
Report from the FAW.
Geraint Williams's youngsters had a deserved 3-1 win at Dragon Park this afternoon against a highly-rated Czech Republic side.
The match was the first of two friendly fixtures in preparation
for the UEFA Elite Round qualifiers in Russia next month. On this form,
the team must fancy their chances of making a big impression.
Wales went-in 1-0 down at Dragon Park Newport, after an even first 40 minutes.
The goal had come on 32 minutes when Jiri Klima broke down the
right and laid a good ball inside to Vaclav Cerny who was able to beat
Wales goalie Lewis Thomas with a low drive from some 15 yards out. The
Welsh defence could have done better, but it was a fine finish none the
less.
The first half was played in bright sunshine after a morning of
showers. The pitch held-up well and Geraint Williams' youngsters
certainly looked assumed in their play during the opening quarter.
Charley Edge (Everton) found his way into referrer Ryan Stewart's book on 23 minutes for a heavy challenge.
The Czechs looked to be capable of stepping-up a gear if needed,
but to the credit of the Welsh lads, they did not give the visitors too
much time or space to be able to worry Thomas in the home goal.
The second half was 13 minutes old when Wales got-back on level
terms. a cross from George Thomas after some great work down the left
saw the ball come over close to the goalmouth and Charley Edge (Everton)
was on hand to poke the ball home.
Ten minutes later, a great solo run by Connor Evans saw him
outstrip two defenders and beat the goalie low to his right with a shot
from 15 yards out. It was a great piece of finishing by the Bristol City
youngster.
The Czechs were on the ropes, and four minutes after, an almost
carbon-copy break through the middle, this time by Coventry's George
Thomas saw another great finish to make it 3-1 to Wales.
The game was over as a contest and Wales had done themselves
proud. The return match will be at mid-day on Thursday and Wales will be
hoping for more of the same. An outstanding performance from a
confident squad.