Sportinglife.com, UK
March 29 2005
ENGLAND BEAT AZERIS BUT WALES LOSE
James Milner was the inspiration for England, who remain on course to
qualify for the 2006 UEFA Under-21 Championship finals after a
comfortable 2-0 victory over Azerbaijan at Middlesbrough’s Riverside
Stadium.
First half goals from Liverpool midfielder John Welsh and Norwich
striker Dean Ashton were sufficient to settle the issue in favour of
Peter Taylor’s side.
Taylor will be able to look back with satisfaction at his first
campaign back at the helm after replacing David Platt last summer.
A haul of 14 points from six matches leaves England three points
clear of Germany, who have a match in hand, heading into next
autumn’s conclusion of their qualifying group.
In the same group Wales had Craig Morgan sent off but still emerged
with their pride intact despite a 2-0 defeat to Austria.
Wrexham centre-back Morgan can consider himself unlucky to have been
shown a red card for an aerial challenge with Alex Pollhuber, referee
Ararat Tchagharyan stunned the Wales camp with the speed of his red
card.
Unfortunately for the Welsh, the Armenian official was not as quick
to punish two fouls on the impressive Craig Davies – both of which
warranted penalties.
Austria were ahead early on through Roman Kienast and grabbed a
second through Jurgen Samuel 10 minutes from time, when Wales’ 10 men
were tiring.
But in between the goals Wales were the better, neater side and were
unlucky to leave without something to show for their efforts.