Wales Under-21s failed to make the most of their one-man advantage as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Romania in Wrexham.

Romania, who began the evening one point behind Wales in the 2017 European U21 Championship Group Five standings, saw goalkeeper Laurentiu Branescu dismissed.

However, Wales were unable to find a way past substitute stopper Valentin Cojocaru in the second half and the strikes from Dragos Nedelcu and Wes Burns inside the opening 14 minutes were the only goals.

Romania went ahead inside two minutes when Nedelcu fired home after a free-kick evaded the Welsh defence and ran through to him in swirling conditions.

However, moments later Wales were level. Cardiff's Declan John, who had already had an effort saved for Geraint Williams' side, delivered the cross and Burns headed in the equaliser.

Wales goalkeeper Billy O'Brien prevented his team from falling behind again thanks to a brilliant sliding challenge on George Puscas and another save from Nedelcu.

And it was on the stroke of half-time when O'Brien's counterpart Branescu had a rush of blood to the head in lashing out at Thomas O'Sullivan following his foul on him.

While O'Sullivan's card colour was yellow, Branescu saw red for kicking O'Sullivan in the hip as team-mates held him back.

Burns, O'Sullivan and substitute Ellis Harrison were all unable to find a way through in the second half, though, and while Wales remained unbeaten in their qualifying group, they missed the chance to increase their advantage on their opponents.

Wales’ age grade manager Geraint Williams has urged his players to believe there are still places up for grabs for the senior squad at Euro 2016.

"There are places to be fought for," he said.

"These players have obviously had a taste of it and they want to go to France.”

Of the team that faced Romania in Wrexham, winger Harry Wilson and defender Declan John have made their senior debuts under senior manager Chris Coleman.

Ex-Newport midfielder Lee Evans and striker Wes Burns have already been called up to the senior squad.

Tom Lawrence, Adam Henley and George Williams are still eligible for the Under-21 side but featured in Wales' 3-2 friendly defeat against the Netherlands.