Good win for Wales o45s

Wales o45s defeated a strong and mobile opponent writes manager, Paul Richards...

On a perfect afternoon at Ocean Park Arena, a strong Wales squad started the game under early pressure from the energetic Wootton Bassett team and it was the visitors who almost took the lead with Nick Warren's towering leap and header from a corner being well saved off the line to keep the scores level.

Wales grew into the game with excellent possession-based football and with Chris Summers and Kevin Bartley looking lively up-front, it looked likely Wales would take the lead, with both players having efforts well-saved by the excellent keeper. Half time whistle came and the game was locked at 0-0.

Wales came out strongly at the start of the second half, but Wootton Bassett won a corner and then proceeded to score the opening goal of the game with a great header. Wales immediately reacted and after some fantastic play down the left hand side between Damon Searle and Andy Legg, the ball fell to Summers feet and neatly finished for 1-1. Now the game was being played in the Wootton Bassett half and Wales won another corner and Summers wicked in-swinging corner found the back of the net 2-1. Bartley then came close to scoring but denied by an unbelievable save from the opposition keeper. With 10 mins to go in the game, Mark Thomas and Cerison Davies linked up well and the ball was crossed into the box and after a goal mouth scramble, Damon Searle finished in style for 3-1.

A fantastic game of football, played in a competitive but fair manner. We look forward to taking up Wootton Bassett's offer to play the return match in 2024.