Wales’ U21 side got their European qualifier preparations off to the perfect start, with a 4-0 win at home to Liechtenstein.
Rubin Colwill bagged a brace, while there were goals for Joe Low and Josh Thomas, in what was an entertaining and free-flowing performance from Wales’ youngsters.
With Liechtenstein’s team comprising of more U23 players than those under 21, Matty Jones stressed in the week that Wales would be involved in a physical battle.
But in the first half, that didn’t come to fruition, as his side simply played around and through their central European opponents.
The home side looked incredibly lively, and with the front line containing Rubin Colwill and Luke Harris, chances were coming on a regular basis.
The buildup to the game was focused on whether Joel and Rubin Colwill would become the first brothers ever to play at the same time for Wales. Both started, and both almost got on the scoresheet early on. Joel’s shot from range flashed past the post, while Rubin’s effort on the edge of the box was fingertipped away by the goalkeeper.
The chances created by Wales were going up and up, and just before the half-hour mark, they finally found the opener. Cameron Congreve’s free-kick into the box wasn’t dealt with by the visitors, allowing Joe Low to nod home from close range.
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Even though he was getting kicked about by the Liechtenstein defenders, Rubin Colwill looked dangerous, and he raced in on goal before halftime, only for the keeper to stand tall and make a good save. Wales one up at the break.
The second half started like it did in the first, with Wales on top. Jones’ side were keeping possession well and getting through the Liechtenstein defence like a hot knife through butter.
They were handed a golden opportunity to double their lead after Congreve was brought down in the area, penalty given. Up stepped Rubin Colwill, and he blasted his penalty down the middle. He finally had his goal.
With one under his belt, the Bluebird set off to find a second, and he only had to wait seven minutes for it. Pat Jones drove into the box and had a shot, but it was saved by the keeper. However, the rebound fell straight to Colwill, who tapped in from the closest of ranges.
Numerous half-chances came and went for Wales, but they couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net. As time ticked by, they did eventually find a fourth four minutes from time. A powerful cross from Owen Beck was chested in at the near post by Josh Thomas.
The big game for the U21s comes on Tuesday as they play Lithuania away from home, but they couldn’t have asked for better preparation ahead of the game with a big win at Rodney Parade.
Player of the Match – Cameron Congreve
There were a lot of standout players in a red shirt today, but I thought Congreve was exceptional. The way he commanded his wing and the way he could produce magic at set-pieces really helped Wales early on. With him on the pitch, Wales were in full control.
Cymru
Ben Hughes (GK) (Ronnie Hollingshead 46’), Cameron Congreve (Owen Beck 81’), Owen Bevan, Joe Low, Luca Hoole ©, Harry Leeson, Charlie Crew, Joel Cotterill (Pat Jones 61’), Joel Colwill (Cian Ashford 61’), Luke Harris (Josh Thomas 75’), Rubin Colwill (Charlie Savage 75’)
Unused Subs: Ed Beach, Fin Stevens, Ed Turns, Eli King
Goals: Joe Low (28’), Rubin Colwill (58’ p, 65’), Josh Thomas (86’)
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