Slick Wales sweep Luxembourg aside

Wales kick-started their 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign as an emphatic first-half performance set up a comfortable win against Luxembourg at the Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli.

Recovery
Brian Flynn's team drew 0-0 away to Luxembourg on Friday in Group 3's opening fixture, but made easy work of it on home turf going in for half-time 4-0 up and were in cruise control for most of the evening.

Bright start
Neil Eardley settled early nerves when he scored his first goal at this level when he slammed Wales ahead from the penalty spot in the tenth minute after Joe Allen had been fouled. The Oldham Athletic AFC defender set up Jonathan Brown for the second soon after and Luxembourg were left badly exposed as Andy King headed the third. Brown was to the fore again before half-time as he provided the cross which enabled Simon Church to score his eighth goal in 12 appearances.

Positive omens
The visitors improved after the break, with substitute Ben Polidori reducing the arrears, but Wales were far from finished and James Wilson completed the scoring eleven minutes from time. "We played better in Luxembourg last week and couldn't score – this time the shots went in and it was a good all-round performance," said Flynn. "We have given seven players their debuts at this level in the two matches, and they have all gained a lot of experience. We have another good bunch of lads coming through."