Wales breeze past Malta

Wales gained their first points in their 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign with a 3-1 defeat of Malta at Wrexham FC's Racecourse Ground.

Williams opener
After putting on a good show in their only previous qualifier, last month's 1-0 reverse in France, the Welsh youngsters were ruthless in adding to the woes of a Malta team who have now lost all four games. The opening goal arrived from a corner by captain David Cotterill. When the ball was cleared, Joe Jacobson headed back into the danger zone and Wrexham defender Mike Williams adroitly volleyed home.

Vokes goal
Wigan Athletic FC's Cotterill, who has been capped eight times by the senior side, almost laid on a second for Simon Church. Then just before the break, Church did get his name on the scoresheet when he headed in a cross from Aaron Ramsey, a 16-year-old tipped to be a big star. Sam Vokes with another header put Wales further ahead in the second half though Malta, who had not scored in their three previous ties, reduced arrears through Ian Zammit.