Aaron Ramsey- Wales U21 2 England U21 3- UEFA U-21 Championship Play-Off
Aaron played the whole 90 minutes as Wales under-21s were narrowly beaten by England at Ninian Park in the first-leg of this UEFA u-21 European Championship Play-Off. Playing in a role just behind lead striker Simon Church, ‘Rambo’ also dropped deep on occasions to support the defence.
Wales enjoyed the better start to the game and, on 13 minutes, their hard work paid off. Ramsey’s through-ball caused problems in the England defence and Church managed to get the better of Chelsea’s Michael Mancienne. The striker persevered and slotted past Joe Hart for 1-0.
Ramsey could have made it 2-0 soon after but after a neat turn he couldn’t find the finish to match it.
England fought back just six minutes later when poor marking allowed David Wheater a free header and it was a gift that the Middlesbrough man gratefully took.
‘Boro’s Adam Johnson put the Three Lions ahead after a great solo goal but the hosts pulled level before half-time.
Another expert Ramsey through-ball found Church who did a good job of putting the ball in the back of the net for his, and Wales’ second goal of the game.
England’s resilience would prove key though and a smart back-heel from Aston Villa’s exciting forward Gabriel Agbonlahor swung the tie in the favour of the Three Lions who take a 3-2 lead into Tuesday’s second leg at Villa Park.
Posted by Jg on October 10, 2008 at 9:26 pm
England u19s won 3 1 lansbury 2 Murphy 1
Posted by kent paul on October 10, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Wales cannot expect to go through now especially after concede 3 goals at home in the first leg IMO
Posted by Chrissie Greeno on October 11, 2008 at 7:57 am
At times Ramsey was brilliant especially in the first 30 mins- I’m English and an Arsenal fan and I enjoyed Ramsey’s turn on a sixpence taking out two England player. He was less noticable in the second half when he had more defensive duties as England possession grew. Good match and I enjoy watching this Wales u21 side.