Young Lions edge past Wales in first-leg thriller
Gabriel Agbonlahor's strike proved to be the winner at Ninian Park
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Friday, 10, Oct 2008 10:43
England moved a step closer to qualifying for the European Under-21 Championships tonight (October 10th) after recording a vital victory over Wales in the first leg of their play-off.
Goals by David Wheater, Adam Johnson and Gabriel Agbonlahor were enough to seal a 3-2 victory for the young Lions against a plucky Wales side at Ninian Park.
But despite being able to pick a team which boasted 11 Premier League players - compared to just two for the hosts - England were matched stride for stride for the majority of an entertaining contest.
Stuart Pearce set out with a cautious 4-5-1 formation and England struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages, allowing Wales to dominate in midfield and monopolise possession.
So it was no surprise to see the hosts open the scoring after 13 minutes, although the manner in which the goal arrived would have infuriated the England boss.
Michael Mancienne's clearance on the edge of the area hit Steven Taylor and despite the Chelsea man's desperate lunge, Simon Church capitalised on the gift by firing comprehensively past Joe Hart.
However, the goal appeared to spark England into life and within five minutes they were back on level terms.
Tom Huddlestone chipped a ball forward to Johnson and his touch let in Agbonlahor, whose shot was turned aside by Owain Fon Williams.
From the resulting corner, Jamie O'Hara whipped in a left-footer from the right to the far post and Wheater rose highest to plant a header across Williams into the bottom corner.
Wales seemed stunned and England almost took the lead when Agbonlahor unleashed a vicious strike from 20 yards, only to see it cannon back off the underside of the bar.
But England were not to be denied as they continued to press forward and finally got their reward on 34 minutes.
Mark Noble played a delightful through-ball to Johnson on the left, and he managed to cut inside - despite having his shirt pulled - before curling a precision right-foot strike past Williams.
Pearce must have thought he would be going into the interval with the advantage after an impressive turnaround, but Wales, and in particular the lively Church, had other ideas.
Aaron Ramsey slid a precise pass through to the Reading striker, who cut inside Taylor far too easily before beating Hart again with a calm right-footed finish into the far corner.
The topsy-turvy nature of the match continued into the second half, as England came out with renewed purpose and restored their lead on the hour.
Huddlestone won the ball on the right with what appeared to be a suspiciously high foot and played in Noble, whose cut-back from the byline was cheekily back-heeled home from close range by Agbonlahor.
Wales again responded well and elusive Swansea winger Shaun MacDonald had a mazy run and shot which tested Hart, while Ramsey fired wide from 25 yards shortly afterwards.
Aston Villa winger James Milner then had a good low strike saved on 79 minutes and Noble's curler from long range was acrobatically pawed aside by Williams as Wales left gaps as they pushed forward.
With five minutes remaining, West Ham midfielder Jack Collison almost grabbed a late equaliser for the Welsh with a rising drive from outside the area which had Hart beaten.
But England hung on bravely and now take a crucial lead to Villa Park for Tuesday's second leg as they look to book their spot for next year's tournament in Sweden.