MATT Derbyshire watched on from the sidelines as England under 21s took a small step towards reaching the UEFA Under 21 Championships in Sweden next summer.

In their play-off match against Wales, Derbyshire was an unused substitute as Stuart Pearce's side defeated Wales 3-2 at Ninian Park.

Wales shocked their highly-fancied opponents by taking a 13th minute lead through Reading striker Simon Church, the first goal Wales have ever scored against England at under 21 level.

But England soon hit back, David Wheater heading home from a corner six minutes later. Then turned the tie in their favour thanks to a wonderful solo effort from Adam Johnson on 35 minutes.

However Wales levelled just before the break, Church latching onto a through ball to beat Joe Hart.

In a game of end-to-end action there was only one further goal in the second half, Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor's clever flick from Mark Noble's cross giving England a one-goal advantage to take into the second leg at Villa Park on Tuesday night.

Derbyshire will be hoping to play some part in assuring England's safe passage to Sweden and to the finals.