Airbus UK Broughton FC's Airfield ground played host to the prestigious SKY Sports Victory Shield for this Under-16 international fixture between Wales and their counterparts from Scotland. With an attendance of over 1,000 and SKY Sports 2 televising the game live there was great interest in this fixture - in a tournament that has proved to be the first step towards international stardom for the likes of Wayne Rooney and Aaron Ramsey in years gone by.
Leading the line for Wales was Huddersfield Town's Jake Charles - grandson of the great John Charles, adding to the sense of occasion. The game began with a spell of early Scottish pressure but Abdi Noor proved adept at carrying the ball away from danger for Wales. The early exchanges were scrappy with nerves perhaps playing a part in both side's frequently exchanging possession. For many of the schoolboy aged players this will have been the first time they have played in front of such a big crowd and on live television.
Scotland looked the more lively side but after 20 minutes there were still few chances of note. On 22 minutes Tom Walsh drilled a shot straight at Wales goalkeeper Gareth Owen before Liam Walsh drove a shot narrowly over for Wales. Craig Storrie had a good chance for Scotland on 28 minutes - curling a shot just wide of the far post. The first yellow card of the game was handed to Alex Penny for Wales after a clumsy challenge.
Just prior to the interval Scotland's Paul McMullan had a decent effort following a strong run. Half-time arrived after 40 minutes with the game still goalless and both side's cancelling each other out. Following the break Wales replaced the hard-working Charles with Kyle Copp. The dangerous McMullan proved Scotland's biggest threat with his speed, close control and inventiveness. He teed up Tom Walsh for a shot which was narrowly off target on 55 minutes as the game began to open up.
Corey Francis tried to chip the goalkeeper for Wales but their liveliest player was undoubtedly Abdi Noor who similar to McMullan, often found space, used his pace well and looked to put the ball into the area. Substitute Kyle Copp also began to get into the game and he had a shot fly just a whisker away of the far post. At the end of a good move for Scotland Jamie Beaton fired wide.
Wales were the better team in the second half and into the last 10 minutes had the best chance of the game. Kyle Copp's strike appeared to be destined for the top corner until a magnificent one-handed save from Jordan Hart turned it over. The last significant action of the game saw Wales goalkeeper Gareh Owen stranded outside of his area when attempting to clear the ball but Scotland were unable to capitalise with the goal gaping.
The game finished 0-0 with both teams having to accept a point each. Despite the scoreline there was plenty for the youngsters from both countries to be encouraged about, and it proved to be an entertaining game for many people no doubt visiting the Airfield for the first time.
Wales - 1: Gareth Owen (Llanelli) 2: Ross White (Wrexham) 3: Fraser Sturgess (Unattached) 4: Thomas Atyeo (c) (Swansea Cty) 5: Tomos Clarke (Oldham Athletic) 6: Liam Wales (Swansea City) 7: Abdifatah Noor (Cardiff City) 8: Corey Francis (Swansea City) 9: Alex Penny (Hull City) 10: Peter Smith (Wolves) 11: Jake Charles (Huddersfield Town)
Subs - 12: Cameron Clarke (Cardiff City) 13: Cian Harries (Coventry City) 14: Sam Jones (Cardiff City) 15: Kyle Copp (Swansea City) 16: Nathan Palmer (Manchester United) 17: Jake Watkins (Cardiff City) 18: Joseff Morrell (Bristol City)
Scotland - 1: Jordan Hart (Celtic) 2: Ryan Sinammon (Rangers) 3: Calum Waters (Celtic) 4: Greg Pascazio (Rangers) 5: Jordan McGhee (Hearts) 6: Liam Henderson (Celtic) 7: Paul McMullan (Celtic) 8: Tom Walsh (Rangers) 9: Jaison McGrath (Celtic) 10: Craig Storrie (c) (Aberdeen) 11: Steven Higgiens (Motherwell)
Subs - 12: Liam Kelly (Rangers) 13: Tyler Fulton (Falkirk) 14: Jamie Beaton (Hibernian) 15: Dylan Dykes (Rangers) 16: Daniel Stoney (Rangers) 17: Jordan Hendrie (Bolton Wanderers) 18: Michael Kelly (Aberdeen)
By Rory Sheehan
