o55s lose out to England in Cambridgeshire

The Wales Veterans' Football Association accepted an invitation to send an o55s squad to face England at St Ives FC in Cambridgeshire on 3rd May 2024...and the ‘old enemy’ won out on the day...writes Manager, John Jones....

A weakened Wales squad started on the front foot and competed really well in the first half, spending a lot more time in the England 18 yard box than England did in the Welsh box! The back four of ‘Murph’ Jones, York, Owen and Averies kept the England attackers very quiet, leaving keeper, John Bailey, with just few long shots to deal with. York headed over from corner and Fredriksen failed to convert a great chance at back post after good work by Lewis, but it remained scoreless at the interval.

The visitors started the second half well enough but ten minutes in lost their shape and composure, allowing the hosts to score with a back post tap in! Changes by the manager failed to improve matters and a soft penalty allowed England to take a 2-nil lead and put them very much in control. In a 10minute purple-patch for Wales, Averies reduced the deficit when he headed home from a corner. Casey then hit an upright and a promising 3 against 2 situation broke down with a weak cross. England were dominant in possession and it was no real surprise when their left wing dribbled passed three players to make it 3 - 1 and game over.

Manager, Jones was obviously disappointed saying “we played well in the first half but, were poor in the second half. The work-rate and passion was there but we didn’t keep OR pass the ball well enough and the movement off ball poor was poor.” Adding there’s plenty for me to think about before the next fixture.”
Congratulations to the following players who were selected by Manager, John Jones......

Congratulations to the following players who were selected...
Mark Hosey (GK)
John Bailey (GK)
Steve Owen
Vaughan Jones
Haydn Stait
Nigel Casey
Mike Fredriksen
Steve John
Paul Jones
Colin Bagley
Nick Romanello
Andrew York
Warren Jones
Clive Evans
Vince Lewis
Paul Averies
Darren Thompson