Wales U19 2-0 Kosovo U19: Liverpool starlet Neco Williams on target in group topping win

WALES U19’s topped their European Championship Qualifying group with a composed victory over Kosovo.

The victory ensured qualification to the Elite Round of qualifying for the second consecutive year, finishing top of a qualification group for the first time. Opponents Kosovo finished bottom of the group having failed to register a victory.

Harry Pinchard – starting in qualifying for the first-time – opened the scoring for Wales on the stroke of half-time. Neco Williams then scored on the rebound from his missed penalty to provide Wales with a second win of the group.

Lewis Webb – back in goal after being withdrawn in Wales’ last match – saved the first meaningful attack of the game as he pushed Leonard Uka’s testing shot away from goal.

The Swansea City goalkeeper would continue to frustrate Uka. Webb made another important save as the Kosovo attacker hit a wide-angled shot but Webb would push it away, with his save proving vital.

Wales broke the Kosovo rearguard at the best possible time, scoring with their best opportunity of the half. Cardiff City youngster Harry Pinchard hit a low shot at the under Petrit Terziu after Sam Pearson had missed Joe Adams’ low cross.

Kosovo came out with an attacking drive in the second half with Wales having to clear a number of attempted crosses.

Blendi Morina went closest to levelling as he snuck an effort onto the post after a lay off from Albin Prapashtica.

Having weathered the Kosovan storm, Wales were awarded a penalty after Scott Smith was tripped by Bujar Pilana.

Williams’s third penalty of the campaign was saved by Terziu, but the Liverpool starlet scored on the follow-up for his third goal in his last two games.

Williams was denied a second goal of the game in stoppage time as his attempted dink was blocked by the rushing Terziu.

Substitute Isaak Davies also had a similar fate as his late shot was saved by the Kosovo goalkeeper in the last action of the game.

Kosovo: Petrit Terziu, Altin Bytyqi, Leard Sadriu (C), Albion Pllana, Qendrim Zyba (Albin Krasniqi 53), Artan Asani (Granit Berisha 53), Albin Prapashtica, Gentrit Halili (Endrit Demolli 45), Blendi Morina, Leonard Uka (Adonis Aliu 77), Veton Tusha (Kevin Halabaku 77)

Wales: Lewis Webb, Neco Williams, Sam Bowen, Ryan Astley, Morgan Boyes (C), Samuel Pearson (Rhys Hughes 85), Scott Smith, Joseph Adams, Harry Pinchard (Isaak Davies 78), Cameron Evans, Daniel Griffiths (Christian Norton 85)

Wales: Lewis Webb, Neco Williams, Sam Bowen, Ryan Astley, Morgan Boyes (C), Samuel Pearson, Scott Smith, Joseph Adams, Harry Pinchard, Cameron Evans, Daniel Griffiths

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(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)