Wales o45s support Mental Health charity!

The Wales Veterans' Football Association accepted an invitation to send an o45s squad to Newtown in mid Wales to face Mental Health FC and recorded an emphatic win...for a good cause....writes Manager, Paul Richards...

Manager, Paul Richards gave debuts for 5 new players..., Nevin Riches, Leigh Downing, Nathan Hosgood, Richard Taylor and Leon Thomas....and ALL delivered! After some early exchanges between both sides it’s was Wales looking the most likely to get the breakthrough with Taylor and Downing linking well with Hosgood and on 10 minutes Wales took the lead with Downing putting Wells in who cut the ball back for Davies to coolly finish. Wales then were on top and after having two chances excellently saved by Shaw in goal for Mental Health FC, Davies scored two quick goals...a powerful header and cute finish for his hat trick. The opposition then had a couple of breakaway chances but Davies in goal stood firm and cleared his lines. Wales 4th goal came Wells headed home Jago’s perfect cross. Thomas got the 5th after great work by Taylor and Llewellyn headed home number 6 again after good work by Jago. Llewellyn made it 7 at half time after Downing then played Taylor him in.

Wales made further changes at half time and continued to play great football in the second half with Taylor’s trickery setting up Llewellyn who rounded the keeper to complete his hat trick. Wells made a great break down the line and delivered a delicious cross for Blandon to score and another great move with Llewelyn, Jago and Downing set up a chance for Blandon who coolly finished. The opposition then created an opportunity for the forward to score but shot wide. From the ensuing goal kick, the visitors played the ball out quickly to force a corner at the other end, perfectly delivered by Taylor for Blandon to head home for his hat trick. Jermin then got in the act scoring at the far post from a great cross off Llewelyn. Davies scored his 4th before setting up Llewelyn for another. The opposition then pushed forward and had a long range shot which flew past the post. Another driving run from skipper, Walsh created the chance for Taylor to get his debut goal. One of the goals of the day came from a rocket shot off Davies flying into the top corner from 25 yards out. Llewellyn then scored his 5th of the day after a beautiful through ball from Hosgood and in the final minutes Llewellyn completed his double hat trick with another great finish.

The game was played in a great spirit and for a really worthwhile which kick-started a new Doncaster mental health charity which helps people rebuild and connect with others through playing football in a safe and friendly environment.
Everyone enjoyed the wonderful hospitality back in the Newtown clubhouse, whilst the officials nominated Rhys Llewellyn as Man of match.

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

Congratulations to the following players who have been selected by manager, Paul Richards........
1. Ian Davies (GK) - Barry Town
2. Richard Jago - Barry Town
3. Leon Thomas - Llanelli Town
4. Richard Taylor - Ferndale
5. Nevin Riches - Barry Town
6. Mike Walsh - Briton Ferry
7. Rhys Llewelyn - Llantwit Fardre
8. Nathan Hosgood - Barry Town
9. Rogan Matthews - Llanelli Town
10. Leigh Downing - Briton Ferry
11. Phil Wells - Penybont
12. Steve Davies - Briton Ferry
13. Paul Richards - Barry Town
14. Ceri Thomas – Penybont
15. Darren Blandon - Ferndale
16. Leigh Jermin - Briton Ferry

For information about this worthwhile cause visit..
www.mentalhealthfc.org