WALES gave the perfect response to their opening U19 qualifying defeat to Scotland by claiming three crucial points with a 2-1 victory over Sweden on Saturday at Bangor City’s VSM Stadium.

Manager Paul Bodin kept faith with the same starting line-up that suffered a 2-1 defeat to Scotland, and enjoyed the perfect start when Joseph Adams celebrated in style with the opening goal of the game after 13 minutes.

The goal had been coming for Wales, with Adams and Neco Williams causing problems for the Swedish defence, while Morgan Boyes rattled the upright after 21 minutes.

The home side looked in control at the midway point, but Sweden soon settled into the match, and began to ask a few questions of the previously untroubled Welsh defence.

On 31 minutes Sweden grabbed the equaliser as Benjamin Tannus supplied Benjamin Mbunga Kimpioka and the forward made no mistake as he slotted the ball past goalkeeper George Ratcliffe. Minutes later, Pavel Vagic thought he had put Sweden ahead, but his goal was ruled out by the flag of the assistant referee.

Sweden ended the opening half the stronger of the two sides as Wales failed to regain their early rhythm, but Bodin's side regrouped at half-time and showed a positive reaction. Once again Adams was the main outlet on the left, and the goalscorer would turn provider for the deciding goal.

Substitute Christian Norton made an immediate impression on 62 minutes and scored with his first touch as he finished a cross from Adams from close range.

The game finished on a sour note as Mbunga Kimpioka attempted to punch the ball past Ratcliffe in the closing stages, and was shown his second yellow card of the afternoon by referee Dumitri Muntean.