Clinical England o45s defeat Wales in Wrexham

The Wales Veterans' Football Association were proud to host an o45s international match between Wales and England at the FAW’s Colliers Park in Wrexham, on Saturday 18th July, and although 9 times Senior World Cup champions, England, ran-out 7-2 winners, Wales can take real positives from their performance in an entertaining and hard-fought encounter.

The visitors enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, dominating possession while Wales remained organised defensively. Strong performances from the Welsh back line, helped repel several dangerous attacks as England looked to make an early breakthrough. England, eventually took the lead in the 24th minute when a deflected effort fell kindly for the striker to convert from close range. Wales responded positively and were rewarded when Andy delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area for Rob Aldridge to finish confidently and level the scores. England restored their advantage before the interval with a composed chipped finish, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead at half-time despite several important saves from the Rich Morgan in the Welsh goal.

Wales emerged for the second half with renewed intensity and enjoyed their strongest spell of the match. Winning possession high up the pitch and moving the ball with confidence, they created a number of promising opportunities, with Steve Bassett going close on several occasions before curling a free-kick just over the crossbar. England weathered the pressure before extending their lead, although Wales responded immediately. A superb through ball released Wales man-of-the -match, Del Patel, who finished confidently to reduce the deficit and set up an exciting final period. With Wales pushing forward in search of an equaliser, England capitalised on the spaces left behind and they added further goals through quick transitions and clinical finishing.

Although the final score-line favoured England, Wales can take real positives from large spells of the performance, particularly their resilience, work rate and attacking intent during an impressive spell early in the second half. England’s clinical finishing and composure in possession ultimately proved the difference as they secured a 7-2 victory.

Wales’ manager for the day, Nev Riches remained positive saying “We showed real character against a talented England team who have just won the Vets World Cup, so have been consistently playing together.”

He went on to thank the players for their efforts adding, “this group rarely have the opportunity to play international fixtures, so this was a great experience for everyone and making and cementing friendships along the way will serve us well going forward.”

Congratulations to the following players who were selected...

1. Richard Morgan - Barry Town
2. ⁠Andrew Evans - Rockspur
3. ⁠Anthony Douglas - Rockspur
4. ⁠Steven Davies - Penyffordd FC
5. ⁠Chris Holloway - Llanelli Town
6. ⁠Ceri Mathias - Ferndale
7. ⁠Steve Bassett - Ferndale
8. ⁠Rob Aldridge - Barry Town
9. ⁠Dale Gardener - Bridgend Street
10. ⁠Steve Lewis - Upper Rhondda
11. ⁠Del Patel - Briton Ferry Llansawel
12. ⁠Richard Ferguson - Barry Town
13. ⁠Leon Thomas - Llanelli Town (Captain)
14. ⁠Ben Bannon - Penydarren BC
15. ⁠Jamie Michaels - Ferndale
16. ⁠Geesy Rees - Ferndale