Mixed Fortunes for Wales Vets

Wales Veterans FA took two squads to St George’s Park today where they faced RAF Veterans.
Both the o40s and o50s squads turned in strong performances at the home of English football and came away with two creditable performances.

The o50s got the day off to a flying start with an emphatic 0-9 win writes Gavin Price...

Wales over 50's played a near faultless match at the wonderful setting against a very spirited RAF team, who kept battling right to the end, even though they were on the wrong side of a 9-0 mauling on a very hot sunny day.

A lovely corner from Burman lead to an unlucky own goal for the first early on. Kennedy soon got in action scoring 2 delightful goals close together. Nicky Francis then scored a superb solo effort, going past the RAF defence including the keeper, to tap in from close range. Frederickson then got the goal that sealed a fantastic first half performance against a team he knows so well as a former player with several RAF mates playing.

The now customary substitutions were made at half time,with Thompson,Lewis, Broadrib and Reilly bringing even more pace and a continued threat. In fact, Broadrib started the goals flowing again with a nice header off a Francis corner.Then the lively Lewis showed good skill and composure to get Wales 7th. Reilly then found himself clear in the opposition half and again finished well against the RAF keeper.

Finally Darren Broadrib showed wonderful control to pull a ball out of the sky and finish in the mould of a Dennis Bergkamp. A great way to close a wonderful performance.

Manager Gavin Price was delighted with every Player.He confirmed no player was less than a 7 out of 10.He again chose Nicky Francis as his Man of the Match with a great goal and numerous assists.
Andrew York
Troy Reilly
Darren Toupe
Laurence Owen
Darren Thompson
Adam Corfield
Darren Broadrib
Nicky Francis
Vince lewis
Steve Owen
Mike Fredriksen
Shane Davies
John Paul Kennedy
Steve John
Ian Burnham

The o40s faced a powerful RAF outfit and scored unfortunately fell to a narrow 4-3 defeat. A Phil Tranter brace and a goal from Ben Bannon wasn't quite enough to take the spoils, even though they also struck the woodwork three times, but Manager Lawrence Owen was very pleased with the performance of his squad....
Kris Morris
Carl Wadsworth
Phil Tranter
Ben Bannon
Anthony Smith
Chris Morris
Anthony Fergusson
Adrian Evans
Jamie Hillier
Gavin Beddard
Leighton Connor
Rogan Matthews
Simon Truman
Jamie Maher
Johnny Williams
Steve White