Czech Republic U21 1-1 Wales U21 Late Ashford leveller keeps Wales top
- Published
Owen Beck twice came close to equalising for Wales in the second half
Wales remain unbeaten in the 2025 European Under-21 Championship qualifiers thanks to Cian Ashford's stoppage time equaliser in the Czech Republic.
Matej Jurasek's first half strike had given the hosts the lead in Ceske Budejovice.
Owen Beck twice went close before Ashford's volley deep in stoppage time rescued a deserved point.
Group leaders Wales next face Iceland and Denmark in home games in November.
Matty Jones' side went into their third successive away qualifier top of Group I following a 3-2 win in Lithuania in September.
The hosts enjoyed the majority of possession and created a number of chances during the first half with Patrik Vydra in particular prominent.
Adam Karabec's volley was parried by keeper Eddie Beach before Jurasek struck the post from distance.
But there was no denying Jurasek with seven minutes of the half remaining, his well struck left footed strike from outside the area put the Czech youngsters deservedly in front.
Wales had created little in the first half but Luke Harris' shot was tipped over the bar by Lukas Hornicek in stoppage time.
Owen Beck, who like Harris had been part of the senior squad for the friendly against Gibraltar earlier in the week, had an excellent opportunity early in the second half.
Beck made a tremendous individual run into the area before firing with the outside of his foot only for his shot to be smothered by Hornicek.
Dundee loanee Beck came close again when he just couldn't connect with substitute Pat Jones' cross at the far post.
Wales were far more impressive in the second half with Josh Thomas firing straight at the advancing Hornicek after an excellent through ball from Oliver Hammond, who couldn't keep his shot down from the resulting corner.
But Wales secured a deserved point in injury time when from Beach's free-kick, Cardiff City's Ashford - who had come on as a substitute - volleyed home in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Wales Under-21 manager Matty Jones told 91热爆 Radio Wales Sport:
"Every one of our camps we've been away from home and this camp has come to a junction really.
"Once we finished this game we know that we've got a real good run of home fixtures after this and it puts us in good stead to further our momentum.
"To overcome this evening's challenge was fantastic."