All-square between Wales and England o50s!

On 7th April, the Wales Veterans' Football Association accepted an invitation from the England Veterans FA, to send a squad to Kirby Muxloe for an o50s international match.... writes manager, Rogan Matthews...

Manager, Matthews included seven new faces in the squad....Russell Wiggley, Steve Blackford, Robbie Lewis, Nigel Jordon, Steve Powell, Mark Emms and Jeff Lynch and his charges started the game on the front foot, scoring after just 4 minutes, following great build up play. Wiggley delivered a great free kick which found Nic Francis, who showed great composure to slot home. Although it was an end to end game, the Wales midfield started to dominate and applied significant pressure on the England defence, and on 13 minutes Phil Tranter had a great chance but was denied by a stubborn England keeper. Midway through the first half Nic Francis cut inside and let rip with a 30yard strike which just went grazed the crossbar. Changes were made and every player stepped up to keep the pressure on the hosts’ goal, but it remained 0-1 at the interval!

Into the second half and England upped the tempo and created several chances, which were dealt with comfortably by the Welsh defence, which was being well-marshalled by man of the match (and stand-in skipper), Karl Miller and acrobatic gloveman, Neil Bryant. However, the hosts finally equalised, converting one of several corners awarded. The defiant visitors were immediately back on the front foot and with minutes remaining, Neil Williams created some space for himself and put a great ball through the England back line to Tranter and with only the keeper to beat......the referee’s assistant flagged for offside and the teams had to settle for a spirited draw! Both groups of players gave a great account of themselves and with the Four nations tournament almost upon us, we can look forward to another tasty encounter soon. Everyone at the Wales Veterans’ FA wishes Steve Powell a speedy recovery, whose debut was cut-short with an injury.

Congratulations to the following players who have been selected by Matthews.......
Neil Bryant
Paul Murphy
Steve Blackford
Mark Emms
Ian Burman
Chris Thomas
Karl Miller
Russell Wigley
Carl Evans
Steve Powell
Neal Richards
Jeff Lynch
Phil Tranter
Neil Williams
Robbie Lewis
Nigel Jordan