Wales o60s put Lewes FC to the sword!

A Wales Veterans' Football Association over-60s Veterans squad opened a new chapter under the new management team of John Jones, Pete Francombe and Leighton Gates with an emphatic and increasingly assured victory over Lewes Veterans, overcoming early resistance to secure a convincing win on a bright but blustery afternoon....writes a pitch-side reporter...

Having made the long journey from East Sussex to Cardiff, Lewes FC, arrived well-organised and determined, and for much of the opening period they proved stubborn opposition. With a strong wind at their backs, Wales dominated territory from the outset, but the visitors’ compact, midfield-heavy setup disrupted rhythm and delayed the hosts’ attempts to impose their passing game. It took time for Wales to adapt. Patience eventually paid off as they began to exploit the wider areas, stretching Lewes and creating a series of promising opportunities. However, an inspired Lewes goalkeeper - undoubtedly their standout performer - repeatedly denied the hosts, frustrating a Welsh side growing in confidence. The breakthrough finally came late in the first half, when a surging run down the left by the marauding Keith Williams carved open the Lewes defence, and his delivery found the ever-industrious Fredriksen, who at last managed to beat his persistent goalkeeping nemesis. Wales went into the break with a deserved 1–0 lead.

Half-time changes injected fresh energy into the Welsh ranks. Their passing became sharper, movement more fluid, and the contest began to tilt decisively in their favour. Lewes continued to battle courageously, anchored by their outstanding goalkeeper, but the pressure was mounting. Midway through the second half, the resistance was broken in style. Clive Evans met one of several dangerous deliveries from Pepe Mele on the right with a spectacular diving header at the far post, doubling Wales’ advantage. Mele’s tireless work down the flank was a constant threat, and he would later cap his performance with a deserved goal - tapping in from close range after a goalmouth scramble. The closing stages belonged to the lively Jon Ross, who had been a thorn in Lewes’ side throughout. His persistence and movement were rewarded with two excellent finishes in the final minutes, sealing the result and earning him the man-of-the-match honours.

For the new management team, it was an encouraging start. With a, largely, newly assembled squad, there were early signs of cohesion and growing confidence as the game progressed. While acknowledging there is still room for improvement, the management team can take heart from a performance that combined resilience, adaptation, and attacking quality and on this evidence, the future looks promising for Wales Over-60s Veterans, with increased competition for places and clear potential for further development in the matches ahead.

Congratulations to the following players who were selected by the management team of John Jones, Peter Francombe and Leighton Gates...
Andrew Cueto (Newport)
Mark Warman (Barry Town)
Laurence Owen (Newport)
Nik Lukaris (The Continental)
Ian Daniels (Newport)
Ian Jones (Newport)
Keith Williams (Swansea)
Mark Dyke (Newport)
Wayne Matthews (Barry Town)
Andy Owen (Pontyclun)
Paul Jones (Merthyr)
Mark Wilson (Barry Town)
Pepe Mele (Pontyclun)
Mike Fredriksen (Barry Town)
Jon Ross (Newport)
Clive Evans (Merthyr)