Wales and Malta Veterans match in honour of Gary Speed

The Wales Veterans' Football Association were delighted to welcome players, managers, and support staff from the Malta FA to the Jenner Park Stadium in Barry for a Memorial game in honour of former Welsh captain, the late Gary Speed....and in a closely fought game, it took a second half penalty by the visitors to decide the outcome.

The Welsh crowd gave a warm reception to a Malta squad full of ex-professionals and many of the legends of their game including Brian Said (92 caps) and Jeffrey Chetcuti (69 caps)... and they certainly didn’t disappoint. The fact that they defeated a Manchester United Veterans side 4-0 earlier in the season did not phase a determined and organised Wales representative squad who were without 6 regular squad members including skipper Mark Dodds. As a result, Manager, Laurence Owen, gave debuts to James Evans, Mark Mears, Paul Fowler and Ross Daniels...and they all performed well.

The game itself was a very tight affair with few goal chances for either side, but some of the football played during the game was of the highest quality and a credit to both squads. The pace of the game never subsided for the full 90 minutes, testimony to the fitness of the players. Ian Zammit converted the penalty for the visitors, which was enough to win the game but Wales skipper, Paul Keddle was given the man of the match award for a superb display.

Head Coach, Joe Micallef commented “we were keen to deliver a memorable performance in this significant fixture, while paying tribute to one of Wales' most revered football icons.”

Owen replied it “this match showcased veterans’ football at its best, and the Wales 40s squad have earned a well-deserved break until their next fixture in Cardiff in August against Wiltshire side Coate Veterans."

Congratulations to Malta Veterans who lifted the Gary Speed Memorial Cup, which was kindly donated by the Malta FA...

Justin Spiteri GK
Matthew Camilleri GK
Kevin Sammut
Charlo Magro
Manolito Micallef
Beppe Muscat
Daniel Cremona
George Frendo
Brian Said
Jeffrey Chetcuti
Jonathan Pearson
Steven Bonnici
Andre Scicluna
Gareth Magri
Ian Zammit
Adam Smeir
JP Mifsud Triganza

Congratulations to the following players who were selected to represent Wales by manager, Laurence Owen........

John Howe GK - Ferndale
Mark Mears - Pontymister
Lewis Andrews - Ponthir
Brian Camilleri - Canton
Alun Williams – Llanelli Town
Lee Trundle – Llanelli Town
Lewis James - Penydarren
Adie Evans - Ponthir
Liam Screen - Ponthir
Paul Keddle - Penydarren
Neil Thomas - Barry Town
Sean Jones – Llanelli Town
Paul Fowler – Llanelli Town
Lee Stone – Llanelli Town
James Evans – Llanelli Town
Matthew Hughes – Llanelli Town
Sam Brown – Llanelli Town
Ross Daniels - Penydarren
Cei Mason - Ferndale
Gavin Beddard - Barry Town