12 midday 22 October 2015
UEFA Under 17 Championship, Qualifying Group 1 at Dragon Park, Newport
Wales U17 2 Netherlands U17 1 (att 169)
Dragon Park is the newly-developed Wales National Football Development Centre, a sort of St George's Park for the FA of Wales, and is staging all three Wales games in the qualifying group for the next European Under 17 Championship.
In fact, Wales is hosting all six group games, with rivals Albania and Switzerland playing their opening fixture a few hours after this at the very nearby Newport Stadium.
Given recent results by the two nation's senior teams, a Wales win might not be such a shock result, and the home side's youngsters were good value for the three points in what was a refreshingly entertaining game.
Wales took an early lead, and held their advantage until the final moments of the first half. Youth games at this sort of level are too often sterile affairs, but this was a good game, and both sides came close to scoring, and both hit crossbars, before Wales got a winner 10 minutes from time.
Dragon Park is a decent facility, although it's not the best for spectators, who are restricted to one side with a 200-seat stand and a standing area beyond. I didn't spot any refreshments available, and the few toilets are of the portable variety.
On the opposite side a large modern building houses changing rooms and offices, from where teamsheets were available, and has a viewing balcony for officials. No point complaining about the venue though, especially when tickets were at bargain at just £1 each.
UEFA Under 17 Championship, Qualifying Group 1 at Dragon Park, Newport
Wales U17 2 Netherlands U17 1 (att 169)
Dragon Park is the newly-developed Wales National Football Development Centre, a sort of St George's Park for the FA of Wales, and is staging all three Wales games in the qualifying group for the next European Under 17 Championship.
In fact, Wales is hosting all six group games, with rivals Albania and Switzerland playing their opening fixture a few hours after this at the very nearby Newport Stadium.
Given recent results by the two nation's senior teams, a Wales win might not be such a shock result, and the home side's youngsters were good value for the three points in what was a refreshingly entertaining game.
Wales took an early lead, and held their advantage until the final moments of the first half. Youth games at this sort of level are too often sterile affairs, but this was a good game, and both sides came close to scoring, and both hit crossbars, before Wales got a winner 10 minutes from time.
Dragon Park is a decent facility, although it's not the best for spectators, who are restricted to one side with a 200-seat stand and a standing area beyond. I didn't spot any refreshments available, and the few toilets are of the portable variety.
On the opposite side a large modern building houses changing rooms and offices, from where teamsheets were available, and has a viewing balcony for officials. No point complaining about the venue though, especially when tickets were at bargain at just £1 each.
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