The Football Association of Wales held two identical events, at The New Plaza in Port Talbot on Monday 22 April and at The Stiwt in Rhosllannerchrugog on Tuesday 23 April to launch a far-reaching set of plans as part of the innovative JD Cymru Premier strategy.
Each event began with the premiere of the RedWall+ documentary, The League of Wales, which explored the 32 year history of league up until the present day.
Former MK Dons man Jack Sharp, then told each audience for the first time about the plans for the future of the top league in Wales.
Sharp is the man who will be driving the commercial and strategic direction of the JD Cymru Premier tier. He is responsible for the development and delivery of strategies to ensure the wider pyramid reaches its full potential as the pinnacle of domestic football in Wales.
Sharp wasted no time in unveiling the measures. Exciting plans included a new league structure, long-term development plans for clubs and enhanced opportunities for young players. The league would hope to rub shoulders on the European stage and improve relationships with Wales four EFL clubs. Engagement with fans would be boosted. More local derbies would add colour and interest.
But the headlines stole the show, as news of a gradual shift to Friday Night football heralded a cultural shift in the Welsh soccer landscape. The new arrangements would offer fans a vibrant matchday experience.
We would also see VAR across the top tier; though not the type of hairline decisions that broke Coventry hearts recently. Sharp’s “blue sky thinking” would overcome the woes of “Sky Blue Sinking” as VAR Light would rule only on clear & obvious errors. No need to fret too much about the length of Brad Young’s toenails as he grabs a late winner for TNS then.
A significant investment of €860,000 will be allocated to elevate the on-field product, including professional contracts for players, a review of the loan system, greater contact time with players, the introduction of VAR Light, and enhanced support programmes for clubs in European competitions.
€1 million will be dedicated to improving club facilities, with a focus on enhancing matchday
experiences and stadium image.
Efforts to boost commercial partnerships and revenue streams will be prioritized, aiming to secure centralized purchasing and increase broadcasting income.
The FAW would also stand alongside clubs in encouraging sound internal control environments, robust administrative practices and accountable lines of recruitment and selection. Governance amongst the Goals. The future starts here, as Sharp laid out a direction of travel that would rank Wales alongside comparable domestic set-ups.
By investing in infrastructure, community engagement, and brand development, the aim is to elevate the Cymru
Premier into a thriving league that resonates locally and competes globally.
DAVID COLLINS
WELSH FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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Wales had turned in a magnificent performance to ease to a 4-1 victory over Finland in the semi-final play-off but Poland tonight, led by the legendary Robert Lewandowski, would prove tougher opponents.
Wales made one significant change from last time out, with Kieffer Moore of Ipswich Town being introduced to lead the line ahead of David Brooks. Aaron Ramsey again started on the bench. Connor Roberts took the field at wing-back, complete with that lucky moustache!
Mae Hen Wlad fy Nhadau was roared out by the home fans. Bright red flares lit up the away section. One way or another, this would be quite a night.
The visitors kept it cagey during the opening exchanges. Wales looking to hit Moore at every opportunity. Italian referee Daniele Orsato had already blown up for a foul against the tall striker with barely two minutes on the clock.
Wales had a scare on 12 minutes as a ball whipped into the box narrowly eluded Karol Świderski in front of Danny Ward’s goal. The game began to open as a combination of Kieffer Moore and Ben Davies sent an untidy header over the Polish bar after Jordan James had forced a corner. Despite close man handling from the Poles, Moore was a threat from set pieces.
This was an even contest between two sides with so much to play for. Harry Wilson gave the crowd hope as he danced into what seemed like acres of space in the box on 27 minutes. Poland pressed ahead but the Welsh stood firm. Moore remained a handful. The pace of Brennan Johnson also posed a threat.
The Red Wall sensed that more was needed, belting out the anthem as the first half neared its conclusion. The Welsh responded with a series of “nearly” balls that almost led to an opening.
The first half ended in drama as a close-range header into the Polish net from skipper Ben Davies was ruled out in what was a very close decision. Technology suggested that the decision was correct.
Moore, who seemed to be at the heart of everything, brought a fine second half save from Wojciech Szczęsny. Jakub Piotrowski picked up a yellow card following a tussle with the former Cardiff City star, who was head and shoulders above his opponents.
With the Poles no strangers to the dark arts of the game, it would be critical that Wales kept their discipline on such a night. Mr Orasto seemed more than willing to accommodate the visitors’ gamesmanship.
Davies dispossessed Lewandowski with a tackle reminiscent of Bobby Moore on Pele. It was cheered as loudly as any goal. A header from Moore almost crossed the line.
But the visitors were making more of the running now. Dan James joined proceedings to replace Johnson on 70 minutes. The Leeds United star had been in fine form this season. That form was needed now.
The game became untidier now, as a string of fouls epitomised the tension. The Red Wall sang the anthem for the third time. It remained 0-0 at 80 minutes.
Wilson responded with a surging run into the box but the visitors were giving nothing way. Wales, Wales, roared the Welsh section of the 31,876 crowd. Polska, Polska cried the visitors.
David Brooks replaced Roberts as Robert Page chased a historic late win. His dayglow green boots carried the hopes of a nation.
Lewandowski fired narrowly past Ward with the last kick of 90 minutes. Wales tried hard to win it but too many passes were going astray. Moore was booked, though hard to see why.
Extra time.
Despite the intensity of performance, Wales would need to create more clear cut chances if they were to overcome their stubborn visitors. Pabel Dawidowicz felled Wilson with a blatant body check to give Wilson a chance of glory from the resultant free kick, but the Fulham man could not penetrate the Polish defence. It felt like a big moment.
Moore continued to come in for rough treatment from the belligerent Poles. Piotrowski curled a shot inches wide after Lewandowski had led a counterattack. Nerves jangled. Wales simply could not engineer a clean strike at goal, despite the ongoing efforts of Moore. At the other end, Ward had not put a foot wrong.
We entered the last 15 minutes amid almost unbearable tension. The anthem. Again. The Red Wall were certainly giving it their all as the Poles flashed a header wide. Calon Lan now from the terraces.
Poland played the ball about with ominous composure as Brooks left the pitch to be replaced by Nathan Broadhead of Ipswich Town. The battle of the terrace choirs continued deep into the night, as Wales fought hard to stay in the game. Penalties might come as a relief. Yet again we heard the anthem, more in hope than true faith perhaps.
Chris Mepham was shown a red card for a last minute tackle as Poland pressed. A second yellow.
It came to nothing.
Penalties.
This would take some describing.
An amazing rendition of the anthem preceded the drama, the opening chords played over the stadium’s PA before the crowd took over. Danny, Danny Ward yelled the crowd. Lewandowski sent him the wrong way. Ben Davies equalised.
The Poles go two up but Moore equalised. In off the bar, just to add to the drama.
Przemysław Frankowski blasted home only for Wilson to make it 3-3. Who would blink first?
The Poles score again. Neco Williams does the same. 4-4.
We are almost at sudden death now, as Dan James HAS to score.
But he doesn’t.
His shot is saved by Szczęsny with some comfort. Polish celebrations erupted across the field and in the stands. Wales would not be travelling to Germany. The third trip to the Euros was cancelled in the cruellest of manners.
A spot kick had been the difference between two evenly matched sides. Ward, Hennesey, Ramsey and the rest would not be going to Germany. The Red Wall would be staying at home.
History would have to wait.
DAVID COLLINS
WELSH FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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DAVID COLLINS
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Wales made a fantastic start as Dai Brooks tucked home a rebound after Harry Wilson’s shot had been parried into his path by visiting skipper Lukas Hradecky in the visiting goal. Two minutes on the clock. Wales were rampant. Wilson was pulling the strings and Brooks a constant threat alongside Brennan Johnson.
The Finns did began to establish a foothold in the tie with Joel Pohjanpalo prominent, but this was a composed and determined display from Rob Page’s men. Wilson tested Hradecky again on 33 minutes from distance.
This night was all about the Welsh, as Neco Williams fired home a second on 37 minutes. A great strike from the Forest ace.
With seconds to go the interval though, former Norwich City man Teemu Pukki tucked away a neat finish to dampen the home fans’ enthusiasm. Onside, but only just.
The downcast mood did not last long though, as Spurs star Johnson tapped home barely seconds after the restart to restore the Welsh two-goal advantage. Wilson (again) fired wide after half an hour.
Despite lacking some of the flair produced in their first half display, the home side looked at ease. Substitute Kieffer Moore of Ipswich Town should have done more with a clear chance on 70 minutes.
Wales thought they had grabbed a fourth goal on 80 minutes but skipper Ben Davies’ header was ruled out. Opinions vary as to the cause. Disappointment for the bulk of the 32,162 crowd, but this night was not yet done.
Dan James, who has been in fine form for Leeds United, caused the Finns many headaches, racing into the spaces as the visitors left spaces at the gap. He was just too hot to handle, eventually racing clear to score and add the icing on the cake as the game drew towards a close.
A fine fourth to finish the Finns.
DAVID COLLINS
WELSH FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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Cardiff City came into the Welsh derby on the back of a spirited run of victories, including a sensational last gasp win over Ipswich Town in the Welsh capital last time out. Swansea City’s form had included defeat at nearby Bristol City.
The visitors sprang a surprise with the inclusion of Wales skipper Aaron Ramsey on the bench, following a lengthy injury absence. Joe Allen, another Welsh hero of Euro 2016 started for the hosts.
In a white hot atmosphere under grey South Wales skies, the home side forced a corner from which Matt Grimes fired narrowly wide. Early Swansea pressure to excite the Jack Army. Welsh cap Liam Cullen fired over as the Swans looked in control. Allen at the heart of it all. Cullen again sent another effort zipping wide.
The visiting Bluebirds tried hard to settle against a stream of white shirted attack. Nat Phillips and Dimitrios Goutas were at the heart of the Cardiff resistance. They were powerless to prevent Harry Darling crashing a header against the bar on 20 minutes though.
The battle of these near neighbours kept referee David Webb on his toes, as we saw three yellow cards in the opening half an hour. With the scores still level though, the noise from the home fans began to dissipate. The visitors forced their first corner on 25 minutes. Unproductive.
Yakou Meite and Manolis Siopis were showing more influence for the men in blue as this exciting game settled.
Liam Cullen volleyed in a goal on 34 minutes though, which the home pressure probably deserved, despite what looked like a foul on Perry Ng by Przemyslaw Placheta . Cue mass noise now. Ronald blasted over as the Swans finished the first half in charge.
Cardiff City made important changes at half time. Rubin Colwill replaced David Turnbull and Callum O’Dowda took over from Meite, who was perhaps lucky to have stayed on after a first half exchange with Darling. Cardiff manager Erol Bulut referred later to the “artistic movement” of the Swansea star.
The second half almost began in tears for the Bluebirds, but Cullen slid a penalty wide after a tangle between Ng and Ronald. Would that prove a turning point?
Colwill shot over the bar after an hour but was becoming more involved in all of Cardiff’s best bits.
The second 45 perhaps lacked the intensity of the first half but both sides were still in it. Cullen headed wide on 67 minutes. Maybe he should have had a hat trick!
A host of changes were made on 70 minutes. Allen had been superb but was rested. Ramsey came on for the Bluebirds. Surely he couldn’t…..could he?
Cardiff City were more in the game but Swans remained ahead, finding spaces. Colwill pirouetted and turned whenever possible. Phillps headed a corner over Carl Rushworth’s bar. 10 minutes left. It felt like Cardiff’s to save. The home fans in the 20,000 crowd roared their hymns & arias out. Stirring stuff, but home nerves were jangling as the visitors pressed forward.
We entered five added minutes as the rain swirled about us. Ramsey scuffed a shot at goal after neat footwork. Cardiff chased the game.
But it was not to be. Swansea grabbed a breakaway goal through Jamal Lowe to spark joyous scenes around the Swansea.com. Cardiff City ‘s winning streak was over. The Swans had now won 8 out of 11.
But this was this was the one that mattered most.
Swansea City 2
Cardiff City 0
DAVID COLLINS
WELSH FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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The Welsh public had waited some 45 years to see all four sides in the third round, but fans will look back on this historic weekend with contrasting views.
New Swansea City Boss Luke Williams will have been satisfied to see his new boys overcome Morecombe at home in West Wales. Charlie Patino gave the Swans a first half lead before Jerry Yates blasted in a second to put the Championship side into the hat for the fourth round draw. Tougher tests await the former Notts County manager in the Swansea hot seat.
No such joy for the capital city however, as Cardiff City crashed out of the competition 4-0 away to Sheffield Wednesday. A makeshift City side did not make things easy for themselves at Hillsborough, contributing an own goal and two missed penalties. The Bluebirds have found goals hard to come by of late and will have been interested to see transfer target Kieffer Moore grab a headed goal for Bournemouth at QPR.
Newport County will be kicking themselves after failing to defeat 10-man Eastleigh at Rodney Parade. The National League side earned a terrific result and find themselves also in the draw for the next round alongside their Welsh opponents. Both will await the draw with excitement.
The ‘tie of the round’ from a Welsh perspective saw Wrexham make the short trip to Shrewsbury for a sell-out clash with nearby Shrewsbury Town. Prost were in the press box for this one.
Despite the modern if modest surroundings of the Croud Meadow, Shrewsbury, this game took place in an old school, white hot atmosphere between two sides separated by little more than the England/Wales border.
A sea of yellow & blue flags turned the Salop Leisure Stand into a mini San Siro. At the opposite, a sold out away contingent brought 1600 Welsh to Shropshire.
In a frantic opening, Taylor Perry, Cheyenne Dunkley and Jordan Shipley saw early chances for the home side. Paul Mullin fired over for the men in red.
Notwithstanding the intensity of the battle, the game showed little signs of composure as both sides threw themselves into the fray. Tummise Sobowale wasted a chance near the half hour mark. Salop sighed with a heavy heart.
Perry fired over for Town after good work by Joe Anderson down the right but, with each side now attacking their noisy home fans after the interval, the scruffy, lusty pattern of the first half continued.
Shrewsbury’s Malvind Benning almost illuminated the darkening skies with a cool strike with the outside of his boot after a twinkling run, but this was a rare moment of class in a tough game. As if to emphasise the point, Elliot Lee sent a poor shot over the opposite crossbar in response.
The deadlock was broken on 72 minutes as Thomas O’Connor’s shot deflected past Marko Marosi to send the travelling Welsh fans into gleeful celebration. A scruffy yet precious goal.
Finally we saw some composure as the visitors protected their lead with calm resolution, threatening on the break. Perry wasted chances to equalise late in the day but that was that.
So its Swansea, Wrexham and (just) Newport County who take the Red Dragon into the draw for round four.
DAVID COLLINS
WELSH FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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Life at the top table was always going to be tough for the Welsh, but a string of successive defeats has now consigned them to a lower tier.
Grainger knew that, on a cold night in Cardiff last week, her side had to overcome an Icelandic side who had pipped them by a single goal in September if they were to avoid relegation.
A two goal triumph in the capital would probably have seen Wales avoid the drop, but they fell behind to an untidy goal on 29 minutes. Hayley Ladd’s tangle in the box saw Hildur Antonsdóttir poke the ball past Olivia Clark to give visiting coach Þorsteinn Halldórsson’s team the lead against the run of play.
A super strike later from Dilja Zomers sealed the Welsh fate in front of 5,725 freezing fans. Perhaps we could question the marking that gave the visitors the space to create the opening but no questions about the quality of the strike.
Wales restored some pride by holding Germany 0-0 in Swansea on Tuesday in a tie which saw established names like Kayleigh Green and Ceri Holland start on the bench. Germany are ranked fourth in the world so, make no mistake, this was a decent result for Wales. Is it too little too late though after a tough campaign? Only time will tell. Almost 6,000 present for this game again by the way.
Off the field, the female influence in Welsh football continues to grow. The Football Association of Wales and BBC Cymru Wales marked the first year of their five-year broadcast partnership deal for Cymru’s international Women’s Football games at an event before the Iceland game.
Business and sporting leaders from across Wales and beyond attended the event, entitled ‘With Her. For Her’, with each attendee invited to bring a future leader as a guest. The focus was firmly on supporting and encouraging the leaders of the future and guests were treated to a discussion by a panel of experts.
Wales’s first ever Future Generations Commissioner, Sophie Howe, has recently joined the Football Association of Wales (FAW) as a sustainability advisor while Haverfordwest County AFC have ALSO pulled off a major coup in attracting Beccy Nuttall to the club to as Chief Operating Officer. Beccy makes the switch from Cardiff MET, where she has been a major force behind the scenes.
As far as on-field fortunes go, Grainger is adamant that her team has benefitted from rubbing shoulders with the game’s elite, esepecially after holding the mighty Germans, but regular defeats offer limited encouragement. With many of Wales’ Golden Generation on the wrong side of 30 – superstar Jess Fishlock will be 37 in January – some commentators feel that it’s time for some new blood. This could even mean a change at the top.
Elise Hughes (22) grabbed her first international goal with a late header against Iceland and the likes of Hannah Caine (24) are also ready and waiting. Even youngsters such as Phoebe Poole at Cheltenham could stake a claim in the near future.
Whether that future sees Grainger continue to lead the Welsh side though is perhaps open to question.
DAVID COLLINS
WELSH FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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Wales boss Robert Page started with Nathan Broadhead of Ipswich Town ahead of Bournemouth’s Kieffer Moore. Harry Wilson, who had impressed in the home win over Croatia, also made the starting XI along with Brennan Johnson of Spurs, as Page sought pace and movement in the final third.
At the back, Luton Town’s Tom Lockyer replaced the suspended Chris Mepham. Surprisingly, Mepham’s Bournemouth clubmate David Brooks was only on the bench.
Following Wales’ unconvincing draw away to Armenia, this was always likely to be a do or die game, when even victory might still not be enough depending on events elsewhere.
In a lively opening spell, Jordan James was prominent for the hosts. Nathan Broadhead also fired narrowly wide.
But it was Neco Wiliams who really brought the game to life, firing past Uğurcan Çakır in the Turkish goal after just nine minutes.
The pace and movement of Broadhead, Wilson and Johnson were proving too hot for the visitors. Conor Roberts and Neco were potent weapons on the flanks.
The Turkish were clearly rattled by all this, and a series of unpleasant exchanges saw a yellow card for Johnson, followed by a lunge on the Spurs man by Fenerbahçe defender Samet Akaydin which might have resulted in a spot kick. Referee Matej Jug gave a corner though.
The Spurs ace went tumbling again on 29 minutes. Yet again the Slovenian official saw no reason to point to the spot.
Manchester United’s Altay Bayindir took over in the visiting goal as the Turks faced another Welsh corner.
Muhammed Kerem Aktürkoğlu carved out a rare Turkish shot on goal as the interval beckoned, but the response from Wales was another effort from Johnson which the United stand-in managed to hold.
It had been a terrific show from the Welsh, who continued to chase the dream. But the news from Croatia was not good, Ante Budimir putting the home side ahead on 43 minutes. It would be interesting to see the impact that goal would have on the atmosphere in Cardiff.
Wales continued to take the game to their visitors, but the mood in the stands seemed more low key thanks to the score in Zagreb. A save from Danny Ward kept the lead intact as Türkiye sought to capitalise.
Page replaced Broadhead with Brooks as the visitors saw more of the ball. Chances at either end but really, it was all about Zagreb now.
The Turkish pressure brought its reward on 68 minutes as a harmless looking challenge by skipper Ben Davies on Kenan Yildiz led to a penalty, which Yusuf Yaziki slotted home with composure. As tempers rose around the pitch, Yusuf Sari drilled a fierce drive over.
With the visitors looking confident and threating, Daniel James entered the fray to replace Harry Wilson. Johnson clipped the ball into the net but was clearly offside.
Kieffer Moore joined the proceedings with five minutes to make an impact.
This was not to be for Wales though. A stirring closing rendition of the anthem from the stands sounded like the last waltz at a wedding, as the news came in that Croatia had scraped their way past Armenia to leave Wales with the play offs to navigate next year.
Wales 1
Türkiye 1
Att. 32,291
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This had been a must win game for Wales with pressure growing on boss Robert Page amidst rumours of the FAW seeking a “big name” manager. Speculation had emerged in relation to TV pundit Roy Keane for example.
Page chose to start with Bournemouth’s David Brooks ahead of Dan James, though with injuries to key stars such as Aaron Ramsey and Brennan Johnson, the rest of the side pretty much picked itself. Kieffer Moore led the line for the home team.
Real Madrid legend Luka Modrić captained the visiting Croatian side, making what could be his last international appearance on these shores.
Wales made a lively start, with Brooks linking up well with club mate Moore. Wilson and Connor Roberts felt the strength of Croation resistance though, going down to some hefty challenges.
Petar Musa headed over Danny Ward’s goal on 18 minutes as, with Modrić at the heart of things, the classy visitors began to settle.
The effervescent Brooks put Wilson through soon afterwards though, but the Fulham man was put down by Domagoj Vida. Only a yellow card was shown by Referee Davide Massa. Wilson brought a smart save from Dominik Livaković from the resulting free kick as the home side stepped on the gas.
Neco Williams brought another fine save from the Croatian keeper following neat work by the influential Wilson, who was winning his 50th cap.
It had been a fine first half from the home side. With a shade more finesse with the final ball, they could easily have gone off for the break ahead.
But the large home crowd did not have to wait long for the goal they craved. Brooks, inevitably, sent Wilson through and the former Cardiff City man lobbed the ball home with great composure.
Croatia saw more possession as they worked their way back into the game, but the Welsh stood firm.
Brooks exited the field to a hero’s ovation as he left the field with an injury on 57 minutes. James took over.
The Leeds wide man was immediately prominent, crossing for Wilson to head in a cheeky second for the Welsh, putting the home fans into ecstasy.
Wales were almost playing on the counterattack, but it was working to perfection. The guile of Wilson and Moore and the pace and trickery of James and Neco Williams made them a constant threat. As if to emphasise the point, James raced forward to fire narrowly wide on 68 minutes.
The home fans in the crowd of 31,240 were in full voice now, running through their full repertoire of lusty hymns and arias.
The visitors’ pressure told on 75 minutes though, as substitute Mario Pašalić headed in from close range.
Williams fired wide as the game ebbed and flowed. The anthem boomed down from the crowded stands. Nathan Broadhead replaced Wison. Modrić fired over. It was hectic stuff.
Marcelo Brozović who plays for the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, was booked for a foul on James as the clock ticked on towards five added minutes.
Nerves jangled all around the Cardiff City Stadium. Ward grabbed precious seconds with a magnificent take. Williams urged more noise from the stands. The stands responded.
This had been yet another memorable night at this venue. Page had rallied his troops in the face of much pressure. For Croatia, it completed a miserable few days as Wales gained an important advantage in the qualifying group.
Wales 2
Croatia1
David Collins, Wales Football Correspondent
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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Wales returned to the Racecourse, Wrexham for this friendly fixture against Gibraltar, continuing the venue’s proud record as the oldest international venue still in use.
There was an unfamiliar look to the Wales line up, with a number of star names rested ahead of the crucial forthcoming encounter with Croatia.
Tottenham’s Ben Davies skippered the side in the absence of Cardiff City’s Aaron Ramsey. Charlie Savage – son of Robbie – made his debut. Wycombe’s Tjay De Barr of Wycombe Wanderers started up front for the visitors in the swirling North Wales mist, up against clubmate Joseph Lowe.
Savage Jnr. was busy in the opening exchanges, including one bone crusher of a tackle after 11 minutes on De Barr. Fellow debutant Lowe also cut an imposing figure – all 6’5” of him.
Wales suffered an early blow, loosing Wes Burns to injury after barley a quarter of an hour. Dan James of Leeds United stepped up from the bench.
After 22 minutes, the Welsh pressure told. Skipper Davies the unlikely hero, heading in from Nathan Broadhead’s corner in front of the empty space where the famous Wrexham Kop is now being developed.
The influential Savage crossed for Kieffer Moore to power home a header, as the Welsh took a grip on the game. Dayle Coleing saved smartly from Dan James to prevent a third but was powerless to stop the Leeds winger setting up Nathan Broadhead for a cool finish on 35 minutes.
The busy keeper denied Savage a snapshot debut goal as the game descended into one way traffic. Liam Cullen went close; Moore tried a bicycle kick before heading in a fourth. Ben Davies played like a left winger!
It had been difficult to see exactly what Robert Page had gained from this outing as the first half saw his side dominate the play. Good outings for some youngsters and those needed game time maybe. Danny Ward in the Welsh goal had barely touched the ball though. His replacement Hennessey likewise.
This famous old venue looked magnificent under the lights but navigating my way around its tight corridors and cramped passageways during half time, it was not difficult to see why so many clubs elect to construct shiny, if rather bland, new arenas.
A host of substitutions inevitably led to a less fluid second 45. Luton Town’s Tom Lockyer took his place at the back for Wales but the former Radyr Ranger was rarely troubled.
If anything, the Welsh were guilty of overindulgence in a rather tame second half. Savage continued to sparkle but a shot against the post by James on 78 minutes was about as good as it got.
Gibraltar would no doubt be satisfied to have kept the score down whilst, for the Welsh, it is on to the more daunting task of Croatia in Cardiff.
Wales 4
Gibraltar 0
Att. 10,008
DAVID COLLINS
WELSH FOOTBALL CORESPONDENT
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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Both were wildcard entries for the competition for Cymru Leagues clubs and had entered under 21 squads in the competition.
With the two clubs also facing Championship action on the night of the game, there were some unfamiliar names for the small crowd to learn, though home captain Filip Lissah and Cameron Congreve were names who had been around the Swansea first team sheet.
The visitors also included one or two youngsters who had been on the edge of the first team squad this season, including skipper Joel Colwill, brother of Welsh international Rubin.
With so many Welsh lads on the park, there was no shortage of passion in the early stages, with Kyle Kenniford putting in a shift in midfield for the Bluebirds.
The hosts played with composure but it was the visitors who almost took the lead as Vontae Daley-Campbell fired a low cross across the wet surface but beyond his young teammates.
It was the Swans who went ahead on 24 minutes though, as Maliq Cadogan ran clear to beat Jake Dennis with ease.
Congreve almost doubled the advantage five minutes later but this time Dennis kept out the well struck free kick. Shouts for a penalty next as Swansea really took the game to the visitors.
Colwill almost restored parity as he stretched to poke a cross beyond the post and Sam Parker shot over the visitors’ bar as the half ended.
Things grew worse for the Bluebirds as Kenniford was shown a second yellow card for an untidy lunge on the impressive Kyrell Wilson during added time.
Cardiff showed more purpose after the break but Cadogan almost added to their woe on 54 minutes. What a handful he had been tonight, ably supported by the lively Congreve. Ben Lloyd should have done better than to dink the ball over from close range as the peroxide-haired Congreve continued to illuminate the dark, damp evening.
Cardiff were struggling to come into the game now as the play become one-way traffic. Cian Ashford worked his socks off for the Bluebirds
But with 20 minutes left, the scores were level! Kieron Evans blasting the ball home to spark celebrations from the tiny band of visiting fans.
It was real blood & thunder stuff now, as Ashford curled a strong effort beyond Evan Watts in the Swansea goal. James Crole ran strongly at the visitors’ defence as the 10 men from the Capital battled away.
With no further goals, we faced penalties as Colwill hobbled off.
Watts saved an early kick to give the home side the edge. Ashford kept the visitors in it but Kristian Fletcher sealed victory with the final kick to send the Swans through after an entertaining clash. Swans had scored all of their penalties and probably deserved to edge their way into the next round.
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