N. Ireland gain early advantage in o65s Tri-nations!

The Wales Veterans' Football Association sent an o65s squad to the first-ever o65s Tri-nations tournament, but sadly lost out to the hosts on a blustery day in the shadow of the cloud covered Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland...writes Manager, Rob Seago...

Early heavy rain had cleared and the sun shone but the high swirling wind made conditions tricky on what was an acceptable grass pitch at Donnard Park. The Irish got off to the stronger start, pinning back a nervy-looking Wales team and forcing them into several poor clearances which failed to get them up the pitch and it was during this time that poor decision led to an easy tap in goal for former Glenavon legend, Geoff Ferris, after just 5 minutes. The planned strong start had failed and Wales found themselves on the back foot right from the start. However, as the minutes passed Wales found their feet and started to move the ball around with more assurance and built a foundation and coherence which got them right back in the game. For 30 minutes Wales moved the ball around in well-constructed phases of play and started to threaten the Irish goal, if only from distance. Northern Ireland striker, Ferris, was always an outlet with his poise and close control keeping the Wales defence on their toes, and well-deserving of the man-of-the-match title. Unfortunately for Wales their fine play did not yield a return and whilst pressing for an equalizer, the Irish broke-away and after some clever interplay they produced a clinical finish, on the stroke of half time, with a crisp shot from outside the box. A moment of indecision and fine Irish-play in a half dominated by the Welsh meant Wales trailed 2-0 at the break.

Despite the disappointment of the score there remained a positivity in the team and in the second half Wales came out strong and continued where they had left off, on top! With the introduction of Lambert at left back, along with the continued fine displays by Davies, Williams, Huish, Gibb, Medwin and Branch, for half an hour the Welsh kept the ball with skill, confidence and composure putting together some great moves the like that have not been seen for many a match. However, like in so many recent games there was not enough end-product and the resolute Irish defence meant that there were very few clear-cut chances on goal. As Wales pushed on in the last 15 minutes there were a few breaks by the Irish but chances were squandered and the three-man defence of Wales stayed strong led by a MOM performance by Davies who kept the big man at bay. The game finished with Wales in the ascendency as the Irish tired but to no avail and the game played out as a 2-0 win for N Ireland.

A frustrating day for the Wales over 65s and as expected there was disappointment all round with the match result but it was a team effort and performance to be proud of. From a footballing perspective a great match to watch and one of the finest footballing displays in the last couple of years.

Wales are not out of the tournament yet and lifting the Dennis Murphy Memorial Trophy, in honour of one of the founder members of Wales’ Veterans Football is still possible. They play England at home on the 29th April in Cardiff where a decent win will keep them in the with a shout. England will then travel to Northern Ireland on 8th May for the final and deciding match in the tournament.

Congratulations to the following players, who were selected by Manager, Rob Seago....
Howard Sully (GK) - Newport
Les Davies - Penybont
Ian Edwards - Swansea
Paul Fisher - Merthyr
Cameron Medwin - Swansea
David Rees - Swansea
Phil Gibb - Barry Town
Alun Huish (Capt) - Barry Town
Steve Branch - Barry Town
Stuart Evans - Barry Town
Nick Moglia - Penyont
Patrick Lambert - Merthyr
Huw Davies - Barry Town
Jon Williams - Newport
Mike Bobbett - Barry Town
Paul Staddon - Barry Town
Michael Blackaby - Barry Town

Manager - Rob Seago
Asst Manager - Leighton Gates