WELSHPOOL'S Max Williams was part of the Wales side which fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of England in Cardiff this afternoon.

The Salford City goalkeeper lined up with a Welsh under 18s side which took part in its first under 18s age grade match in two decades.

Second half goals from substitutes Liam Delap and Carney Chukwuemeka earned England a 2-0 win at the Leckwith Stadium.

Despite England enjoying the majority of possession in the opening exchanges, Wales remained disciplined and organised, restricting the visitors to little more than an early corner, while also asking questions of their own at the other end of the field.

Max Williams of Welshpool in action for Wales under 18s. Picture by Colin Ewart.

Max Williams of Welshpool in action for Wales under 18s. Picture by Colin Ewart.

Charlie Savage combined well with Ryan Viggars through the middle, while Tom Davies enjoyed his licence to push forward on the left.

Chris Popov was also influential for the home side in attack, with Keelan Williams capitalising on his hold-up play to put a testing delivery into the England penalty after 15 minutes.

The visitors responded through Alex Robertson, but his long-range effort sailed wide as both teams began to settle into the match after a cautious start.

On 17 minutes, Wales were awarded a penalty for a trip on Popov, but goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk denied Viggars from putting his side ahead with a save low to his left.

England had a good chance to open the scoring midway through the half when Shola Shoretire found Louie Barry in space, but the striker fired over the bar.

Williams had to be at his best on 33 minutes to save from Daniel Jebbison as England began to assert themselves on the game, while Barry remained a constant problem for the home defence and tested the goalkeeper in the process.

Max Williams of Welshpool in action for Wales under 18s. Picture by Colin Ewart.

Max Williams of Welshpool in action for Wales under 18s. Picture by Colin Ewart.

However, captain Keelan William struck the England post and Taylor Jones headed narrowly wide just before half-time to show they were still very much in this game.

England made wholesale changes at the break with 10 players introduced from the bench, but it was Wales who almost took the lead when Viggers and then Popov both tested replacement England goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi with the visitors still adjusting to the number of changes to their line-up.

England were awarded a penalty on 66 minutes when Williams brought down Liam Delap, and the striker dusted himself down to convert with a well-struck spot-kick to give his side the lead.

Max Williams of Welshpool in action for Wales under 18s. Picture by Colin Ewart.

Max Williams of Welshpool in action for Wales under 18s. Picture by Colin Ewart.

Kwadwo Baah and Alex Scott almost doubled the advantage minutes later as England began to control the game and increased the pressure on the home defence.

Scott's creativity was a concern for Wales while Samuel Edozie came close on 76 minutes but failed to hit the target as England dominated possession and the home side made a number of changes from the bench.

Carney Chukwuemeka added the inevitable second goal three minutes later to make the game safe, leaving Wales to reflect on missed opportunities earlier in the game.