Wales o45s and Briton Ferry all-square!

The Wales Veterans' Football Association accepted an invitation from Briton Ferry Llansawel, to take an o45s squad to Neath where a highly entertaining match between two strong teams ended all-square....writes manager, Paul 'Ricky' Richards...

Wales started well with neat interplay creating opportunities for the ever-lively Chris Summers. But Briton Ferry looked dangerous on the break and on 20 mins they capitalised on a mistake in the midfield, and Steve Davies pounced and finished superbly under Welsh keeper Richard Morgan. Wales reacted quickly with Richard Jago a constant threat down the right and set up a couple of great chances for Wales to level but Briton Ferry defended well. Clever play from Ross Hutchins earned him a free kick 25 yards out which Summers struck beautifully smashing the cross bar. Ferry continued to counterattack well and on 39mins, they forced a corner which was superbly headed in by Nick Jones to make it 2-0 to the hosts at half-time.

Wales came out after the break with a real determination to play football and get back into the game, but the hosts were a constant threat on the break and could have increased the lead. On 66 mins following a fantastic build up, Jago raced clear down the right wing and put a superb low cross in for Hutchins to finish with style. The goal gave Wales a huge lift and they drove forward, creating several great opportunities but they found Ferry gloveman, James Price in sparkling form and he pulled off two incredible goal-line saves to deny the visitors an equaliser. Eventually the pressure told and from another great team move, Hutchins shot was tipped onto the post but Samir Misbah followed up to bring the game level. Wales continued to press for the winner, but the game ended Briton Ferry 2 - Wales 2.

Congratulations to the following players who were selected by manager, Richards......

1. Richard Morgan (GK) - Barry Town
2. Ian Davies (GK) - Barry Town
3. Andy Legg - Llanelli Town
4. Matthew Gauvain - Ferndale
5. David Davey - Barry Town
6. Mike Walsh - Briton Ferry
7. Chris Summers - Barry Town
8. Michael Cameron - Barry Town
9. Ross Hutchins - Pontyclun
10. Steve Blackford (C) - Llanelli Town
11. Phil Wells - Penybont
12. Neale Richards - Llanelli Town
13. Richard Jago - Barry Town
14. Ceri Thomas - Penybont
15. Samir Misbah - Penybont
16. Jack Hoskins - Cwmbran Celtic
17. Leigh Jermin - Briton Ferry