Wales faced Scotland at Cefn Druids FC on a glorious spring evening knowing that a victory would keep them in contention for the shield. Wales' opponents, Scotland, hadn't recorded a win in the competition to date and wanted to go out on a high in their final game of the Centenary Shield. 

Wales started the game the brighter. Within the first minute Telor Williams had an opportunity to begin the game in empathic fashion, unfortunately for Wales his shot was blocked. It was clear to see Wales were on a mission to start the game fast catching the Scottish defence napping on numerous occasions. Charlie Caton had a chance to give Wales the lead but again the Scottish defence and goalkeeper kept Wales at bay. Much to the frustration of Wales' management team, Wales were doing everything right but just couldn't find the back of the net. This frustration was compounded by a crazy 5 minute spell for the Scottish. Having not had many chances on goal so far in the first half an hour, it was going to take a wonder strike to beat this Welsh defence, and boy was it! Scotland's number 9 picked up the ball, dazzled a few Welsh defenders before finishing past the Welsh goalkeeper to give the Scottish a lead on the 28th minute. As if that wasn't enough, the Scots were fired up and took their next opportunity. In the 32nd minute, Scotland's number 9 again caused the Welsh defence some problems running with pace and power into the Welsh' box, he crossed the ball in, only for Bobby Beaumont to turn the ball into his own net. The Scots controlled the rest of the first half and looked the better side with Wales struggling to keep possession of the ball. They led 2-0 at half time, although some early dominance in the first 30 minutes of the game, Wales were stunned.

Wales knew if they wanted to keep their Centenary Shield dreams alive, they would need to react in the second half. A statement of intent from the bench at half time, three substitutions were put on to change the game in Wales' favour. If the game was to be summed up as a game of two halves, then this was Wales' half. Some tactical alterations and change of personnel breathed life back into the Welsh attack. Tristan Jenkins and Dylan Jones were causing the Scottish defence numerous problems going forward. Dylan had a penalty shout turned away from the referee on the 47th minute, an opportunity for the Welsh to get back into the game but the referee deemed he went down too easily. Lee Jenkins, Wales' captain, had a glorious opportunity to stick the ball into the back of the net off a freekick, only to blast the ball over the bar when it seemed easier to score. Again Wales had their opportunities in the second half and soon after Cavan Williams had come onto the pitch, after some poor Scottish defending, he slid the ball into the bottom right corner to bring it back to 2-1 on the 89th minute. Wales looked to push for an equaliser that would still keep them in the running for the shield but couldn't find a way through the resolute Scottish defence. The game finished 2-1 to the Scots, ending the Welsh' Centenary Shield challenge this year but the Welsh will reflect on this game as a massive opportunity missed in their pursuit for the Centenary Shield. 

Up next for the Welsh Schools u18 squad is the final game of the Centenary Shield 2019 vs Republic of Ireland at Wexford on Thursday 25th April 7.00pm KO. Pob Iwc!

TEAM: Eric Green, Evan Lloyd, Bobby Beaumont, Lee Jenkins (Cavan Williams 80'), Ben Vanstone, Telor Williams (Jake Hampson 45'), Scott Butler (Joe Dyer 45'), Toby Vickery, Dylan Jones, Jack Wilson (Oliver Lanceley 75'), Charlie Caton (Tristan Jenkins 45') (Subs: Shaun Gardiner, Joe Dyer, Tristan Jenkins, Cavan Williams, Jake Hampson, Oliver Lanceley, Jack Pascoe)