European Championship qualifier: Wales U21 1-0 Moldova U21
- Published
Tom Lawrence opened the scoring against Moldova
A first-half volley from Manchester United striker Tom Lawrence edged Wales Under-21 past Moldova in their opening Euro 2015 Championship qualifier.
Lawrence scored after 10 minutes on a wet night at Parc Y Scarlets where Wales had the better of the chances.
Wrexham's Rob Ogleby had a goal ruled out for offside but Wales' intermediate manager Geraint Williams was not denied a win in his first competitive match.
Wales' first competitive win in over a year put them top of Group One.
To qualify for the 2015 European Under-21 Championships in Czech Republic, Wales must navigate a group which also includes England, Lithuania and San Marino.
Ahead of what was the opening game of the group, Williams lost Crystal Palace midfielder Jonathan Williams from his squad after the 19-year-old was called up to for senior squad duty in Scotland.
Wales put the blow behind them quickly and warmed the small number of fans in attendance in Llanelli when Lawrence converted from inside the box.
Manchester City's Emyr Hughes and Crawley Town's Joe Walsh also had first-half chances, but they could not extend the lead against a Moldova side unbeaten in their last two outings.
Ogleby's effort early in the second-half did not escape the linesman's flag, but Wales denied their opponents clear opportunities to end a run of two consecutive defeats.
Wales team v Moldova: Danny Ward (Liverpool), Kieron Freeman (Derby County), Jonathan Meades (AFC Bournemouth), Lee Lucas (Swansea City), Scott Tancock (Swansea City), Joe Walsh (Crawley Town), Wes Burns (Bristol City), Emyr Huws (Manchester City), Jake Cassidy (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Tom Lawrence (Manchester United), Billy Bodin (Torquay United).
Subs: Connor Roberts (Cheltenham Town), Alex Nicholson (Newcastle United), Theo Wharton (Cardiff City), George Ray (Crewe Alexandra), Louis Thompson (Swindon Town), Ellis Harrison (Bristol Rovers), Robert Ogleby (Wrexham).