Under-21: Malta, Wales share spoils in 1-1 draw

The Under-21 sides of Malta and Wales shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in a friendly match which served as part of the preparation for the remaining Under-21 qualifiers for the two teams next month.

Edwin Camilleri’s side takes on France on September 7 in Amiens.

The visitors had the first attempt at goal on the 15th when off a Mark Bradley freekick, Hal Robson-Kanu hit the crossbar with a close-range header. The locals replied with a Tyrone Farrugia effort which was eutralised by Bond on the half hour.

Malta managed to take the lead a minute later when off a cross from the right by John Mintoff, Terence Vella headed home from close range.

On the 42nd minute, Joe Partington headed just wide off a cross by Neil Taylor from the left and just before the end of the first half, first Billy Bodin had a shot from inside the area being deflected into a corner and then a Hal Robson-Kanu freekick scraped past the post.

Six minutes in the second half, Malta went close once again with a fierce shot by Joseph Zerafa frm the left ending just wide. On the other side of the pitch, a shot by substitute Thomas Bender ended just wide on the hour.

On 73 minutes, Elliott Chamberlain entered the area and rounded a defender but his low shot was blocked by Henry Bonello. A shot from outside the area by Jonathan Williams was turned into a corner by the Malta goalkeeper.

Wales levelled matters eight minutes from time when off a cross from the left by Neil Taylor, Hal Robson-Kanu managed to beat Vella with a flying header.

Photos: Copyright © www.stephengatt.com

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MALTA Henry Bonello (77′ Nicky Vella), Steve Borg, Ryan Camilleri, Richard Chetcuti (46′ Miguel Ciantar), Tyrone Farrugia, John Mintoff, Beppe Muscat, Mark Scerri, Duncan Pisani, Terence Vella (68′ Mauro Grioli), Joseph Zerafa.
WALES Jonathan Bond (46′ David Cornell), Ashley Richards (46′ Daniel Alfei), Neil Taylor, Mark Bradley (46′ Lee Lucas), David Stephens (54′ Thomas Bender), Aaron Morris, Billy Bodin, Joe Partington (62′ Jonathan Partington), Hal Robson-Kanu, Jake Taylor (46′ Elliott Chamberlain), Shaun Macdonald.
Referee: Alan Mario Sant
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, William Debattista
Fourth Official: Kevin Azzopardi
Yellow Cards: Bender, Muscat, Borg