o65s decisive victory against Gloucester!

The Wales Veterans' Football Association invited a Gloucester Veterans squad for a 9 v 9 match at Ocean Park Arena....and after a fine performance, secured a great result...writes manager, Leighton Gates...

Wales started off on the front foot with a very high press, controlling the game from the KO and not allowing the visitors to settle into the game. They moved the ball around well and played some excellent football going through the phases, but failed to turn pressure into goals. Inevitably, the visitors ventured into the Welsh half for the first time via a long ball and a mistake, allowed them to take the lead on 19 mins. Wales rallied and when Williams was taken down in the box, Branch slotted home the resulting penalty. Minutes later, a customary mazy run by Brown concluded when he rifled home from 10 yards, and on 30 minutes, Staddon put his side 3-1 up. The hosts pushed forward with intent and great strikes by the excellent Branch, and minutes later, Pasquantonio, gave Wales a commanding lead. Huw Davies capped off a fine personal performance, with 2 fine goals in quick succession, to give Wales an unassailable, 7-1 advantage. Gloucester were ‘Permitted’ to play the final 20 minutes with 11 players and with the two-man advantage...combined with some sloppy defending...they scored 3 more goals of their own. Minutes from the final whistle, Craig Jones drilled home at the second attempt to complete a resounding 8-4 victory.

Manager, Gates enthused, “This was a fine all-round performance by Wales, who controlled a good-natured match from start to finish.” He added, “The squad is getting stronger and carries on the good work from the recent game against Saundersfoot...and gives us confidence as we build towards the big one...against England in November.”