Mark Miller’s side was yesterday overwhelmed by a stronger Welsh side which claimed their best victory in nine years at Steboneath Park, Llanelli, front of just over 1,100 spectators.

Wales' youngsters dominated throughout and at the end of the first half, they fully deserved their single goal lead. The goal came from Gillingham's Andrew Crofts, scoring his first goal for his country on his fourth appearance at this level. But the hosts missed other chances through the same Crofts, David Cotterill and Mark Pritchard.

Wales took the lead from a set-piece in the 12th minute. Arron Davies swung in a right-wing corner, and Crofts powered his header into the bottom corner.

Later Malta goalie Calleja allowed a bouncing cross from Cotterill to skim over his head only for Ryan Mintoff to clear the ball off the line.

On 30 minutes later Pritchard sent his shot over the bar after going past Muscat. On 42 minutes Davies sent in a fierce low cross from the left that Pritchard met on the near post, flicking his shot inches wide.

Miller sent in the taller Bernard Paris instead of the struggling Calleja at the start of the second half.

After the restart, Christian Cassar had a low drive from 20 yards which Worgan saved.

But Wales went further ahead on 52 minutes, Pritchard lobbing over Paris. He almost scored again a minute later but this time Paris saved at his feet.

It was 3-0 on 74 minutes as Davies beat Paris with a low shot, but Malta pulled back a goal on 81 minutes through Roderick Bajada.

Malta played in the following formation: K. Calleja, A. Muscat, C. Failla, R. Mintoff, J. Mifsud, G. Sciberras, C. Frendo, A. Agius, A. Schembri, S. Bajada, C. Cassar. Substitutes: B. Paris, R. Bajada.

Other U-21 results

Euro 2006 Group 1: Macedonia-Finland 1-1. Group 2: Kazakhstan-Georgia 0-1; Group 3: Latvia-Russia 0-4; Group 6: Poland-Germany 1-3.

Friendlies: France-Italy 2-2; Austria-Scotland 1-3; Denmark-England 0-1, N. Ireland-Rep. of Ireland 2-2.