WALES under-16s have retained the Victory Shield they won last year after beating Northern Ireland at Dragon Park in Newport this afternoon.

The Welsh youngsters recovered from losing their opening game 2-1 to Scotland on Sunday with a 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.

And goals from Sion Spence, Rabbi Matonda and Steffan Buckeley sealed a 3-1 success against Northern Ireland this afternoon.

That result means Wales finish top of the pile for a second year running, ahead of Scotland in second place, Northern Ireland in third and finally the Republic.

England opted not to take part this year.

All matches were played at Dragon Park or Newport Stadium at Spytty Park and Langstone-based Sam Bowen, son of former Newport County AFC star Jason, was part of the squad.

Newport-born goalkeeper George Ratcliffe would have been first choice for the tournament but missed out after suffering a broken leg last month.

Victory Shield results: Wales 1 Scotland 2, Northern Ireland 0 Republic of Ireland 0, Northern Ireland 1 Scotland 0, Wales 2 Republic of Ireland 1, Republic of Ireland 1 Scotland 1, Wales 3 Northern Ireland 1