Wales beat Luxembourg 5-1 at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli in a friendly international challenge match.
Wales began the match with new cap Steve Morison up front alongside 50 cap winner Robert Earnshaw. The team had been forced into a late change when Spurs’ Gareth Bale cried-off in the morning with a slight groin strain. David Cotterill took his place and proved to be one of the evening’s great success stories.
Luxembourg made it hard for Wales for long periods of the first half, but the reward came when Cotterill slotted home from the far post on 34 minutes. It looked as though that might open the flood gates, but Joel Kitenge scored a fine leveller minutes before half time.
Changes were made by Wales at the interval with Earnshaw and Stock making-way for Andy King and David Vaughan. In addition, the keepers changed with Hennessey being replaced by Myhill.
Within two minutes of the restart, Bellamy, who was a threat all evening, was floored and from the penalty spot, Ledley made it 2-1. That did signal the start of all-out Wales pressureand further goals came from Andy King, Ashley Williams and Bellamy.
In addition, Luxembourg went-down to ten men when Mario Mutsch was sent-off for a second yellow card on 77 minutes.
So, a 5-1 win and much for John Toshack to be happy about. ‘I was very pleased with the application of the team, especially in the second half when we looked a much better balanced side. I felt Steve Morison had a very good debut and caused a lot of problems. Although he didn’t score, he can be proud of his debut.”
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