NEWPORT’S Ellis Harrison saw a penalty saved as Wales lost 2-1 in Romania in their UEFA Under-21 Championship group five qualifier.

Goals from Robert Hodorogea and Alexandru Ionita were enough to inflict a first defeat of the qualification campaign on Geraint Williams' side despite a late consolation goal from Jake Charles at the Gaz Metan Stadium in Medias.

Newport County loan star Tommy O’Sullivan and former Exiles favourite Lee Evans also featured, as they had in the 0-0 draw in Bulgaria on Friday.

Romania had frustratingly held Wales to a point in difficult conditions at Wrexham back in November, and with Denmark moving above Wales in the Group 5 standings, a positive approach was expected from the visitors as they took to the field in the early evening sun at the small Transylvanian city of Medias.

But Romania started brightly and the breakthrough arrived on 37 minutes when defender Hodorogea found himself in space at the back-post to capitalise on Claudiu Bumba's corner.

Despite the setback, Wales continued to show positive intentions, and were awarded a penalty minutes later when Wes Burns was brought down in the area on 42 minutes.

But goalkeeper Valentin Cojocaru maintained Romania's lead as he saved Harrison's spot-kick before the break.

Charles replaced O'Sullivan on 56 minutes and within two minutes of his arrival Ionita had doubled Romania's advantage to leave Wales with a difficult task ahead.

There was late drama when substitute Charles brought his team back into the game in injury-time.

But, despite a late rally from the visitors that rattled Romania, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal.