Cool Colwill shines in the heat

A brace of goals from the talented Rubin Colwill saw Wales u21s ease past Liechtenstein in a one-side affair at Rodney Parade, Newport.

Schools and clubs from across the country were able to watch Cymru U21 for free when they welcomed Liechtenstein’s under 23 side to this friendly and plenty of youngsters turned up in their distinctive Wales bucket hats to keep out the intense heat on a roasting hot day in Newport..

The fixture was designed to aid preparations for Wales’ second 2025 UEFA European Under-21 qualifier against Lithuania, which would take place four days later on Tuesday 12 September at Jonava Stadium.

The match in Newport was the first Cymru have played on home soil since Matty Jones’ appointment as head coach in September 2022.

Jones’ side began their qualifying campaign with a 2-2 draw against Denmark in June, with Rubin Colwill scoring a brace against the top seeds in Group I and will look to build on the result in the September window.

Manager Matt Jones started with brothers Rubin and Joel Colwill of Cardiff City, leaving those of us on the press benches scratching our heads to recall the last time brothers started a game for Wales.

Wales had the Lion’s share of possession in the opening 20 minutes with Swansea City’s Ben Hughes a virtual spectator in goal. Colwill Snr (Rubin) showed his class and experience on the ball. Skipper Luca Hoole of Bristol Rovers went close with a header as Wales pressed forward. Colwill Jnr blazed a shot wide. It was becoming a real family affair as Rubin also drove narrowly wide.

Wales took a deserved lead on the half hour mark as Joe Lowe forced home a header from close range.

Low is the son of former Cardiff City man, Josh Low, who also won caps for Wales at this level.

Harry Leeson was catching the eye alongside the Colwill brothers but, despite some attractive play, the young Welsh starlets could not further penetrate the resolute visiting defence before half time, though Colwill R could have done better when one-on-one with the visiting keeper late in the half. Tim Ohri did well to keep out the shot though for the away side.

Despite the Welsh flicks and tricks, it took a 59^th minute penalty from Rubin Colwill to extend the Welsh lead. The young Bluebird gave the score a more realistic look as he soon added a third from close range.

Luke Harris should have added a fourth as the substitutions inevitably mounted up. Replacement Josh Thomas added a fourth for Wales to leave the final score at 4-0.

 

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