Confidence boost for Wales o70s!

The Wales Veterans' Football Association welcomed England o70s ‘A’ to Cardiff to face their ‘Australia-bound’ Wales o70s squad. Wales, the current ‘double’ World Cup winners, put in a fine ‘team’ performance to secure a deserved 2-0 win.

Although the hosts were a little untidy at the back in the first half, Messrs Gibb and Young were rarely troubled and Heginbothom, who was a late replacement for a debilitated Laffan, defended and distributed well. In front of them, Algieri put in his best performance for some-time and there were also strong showings from Newton, Compton and James. Miles put in his usual all-action performance and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, but that was left to the ever-dangerous Morgan who, after Welsh persistence, put the hosts ahead on 30 minutes with a cute finish and they led going in at the interval.

In the second half, Maygood entered the frey and made an immediate impression including some robust tackling and an inch-perfect pass for Compton - who should have extended Wales’ lead. Diaper, also getting back to his best after a lengthy knee issue, put in several quality crosses and when his pin-point corner was met by Young, the defender made no mistake and powered home and Wales ran out deserved 2-0 winners.

Manager, Ross, said “This was a pleasing showing and a great confidence-booster as we step-up out preparations for Australia next month “

Congratulations to the following players who were selected by managers, Jon Ross, Alun Huish and Jason Kennedy ...
Alan Meacham (GK) - Swansea
Phil Gibb (Capt) - Barry Town
Peter Morgan – Penybont
Kevin Brown – Barry Town
Mick Algieri - Swansea
Terry Compton - Newport
Phil Newton - Swansea
Martyn Waygood - Swansea
Paul Diaper - Newport
Tim Bowker - Barry Town
Paul Young – Newport
Peter Barletta - Swansea
Graham Miles - Barry Town
Kevin James – Newport
Paul Heginbothom - Newport
Geoff Malvisi – Barry Town