Wales o70s & o75s in Nations Cup!

The Wales Veterans' Football Association accepted an invitation from the Danish Football Association to send a team of o70s and o75s to represent Wales in the Nations Cup Tournament in Copenhagen, between 19th and 21st September 2023.

In the first games, Wales took on neighbours, England. The o70s fought out a 0-0 draw which kept them on track, but an injury ravaged o75s lost out to England 7-2, with Wales scoring through Bryn Powell and Bob Nelson.

In Wednesday’s games against Denmark. The hosts were quick off the mark and took an early lead. Wales equalised through a thunderous shot by Nick Gartside...a collectors item indeed!..and the teams went in 1-1 at halftime. Wales were unlucky to concede a ‘dubious’ second goal, but Peter Laffen found the back of the net and the remaining 15 minutes was all Wales as they continually attacked the tiring home side and only a fine save from their goalkeeper and a goal line clearance by their defender kept the score at 2-2 at the final whistle. The o75s were unfortunately on the wrong end of an 8-0 mauling by the hosts after they lost John Gallivan to injury early on. But they put on a bravely to the end.

In the final matches against Germany, Wales o70s flew into 6-0 lead by half-time with two goals by Billy Arnold and four by the ageless Peter Morgan. They completed the 9-0 rout in the second half with further goals by Paul Diaper, Terry Compton and Gerald Jones. The o75s recorded a 1-1 draw against their German opponents, 'habitual scorer' and group 'interpreter' Frankie Lennon on target.

England edged a 1-0 win against Denmark in the final game with our good friend, Ken Pollock netting the all important winer and in doing so enabling England to claim the title. Wales finished as unbeaten runners-up and were the competition’s top goal scorers 11 for and 2 against.
Well done to everyone involved for a fantastic achievement - we hope this is a 'dress rehearsal' for next year's o70s and o75s World Cup, which we will host in Cardiff in August.