A goal fest in the torrential rain of Oxfordshire on Wednesday 3rd September – England Veterans’ Over 60’s scored eight without reply against the Oxfordshire representative side, winners of last year’s Over 60’s National Cup.

England took the lead after just 35 seconds! Bill Stewart crossed from the left, Andy Gombas headed goalwards, the keeper tipped it onto the bar and Richard Brannam headed home on the goal line.

England doubled their lead a minute before half time. Debutant Tony Harvey crossed from the left and Pete Browning confidently headed home.

In the second half, Glen Alzapiedi pounced to make it three after 65 minutes and then the floodgates opened. Pete Browning made it four with another header and Alzapiedi added a fifth with 10 minutes still left on the clock.

Nigel Bailey then got in on the act. Converting twice. Once from a Brannam cross and another from Alzapiedi.

With two minutes to go, Stewart was brought down in the box and defender Browning was nominated to try to complete his hat trick. He scored with aplomb, making it eight for England.

Fair play to Oxfordshire. They competed until the end.

Our thanks to the match officials and to Meadow View Park for hosting the match.

After the game, Manager David Lazell presented representative Caps to both Andy Cranch and Andy Gombas.

Both received ‘Appearance’ Caps. Andy Cranch a ‘Bronze’ Cap for 25 qualifying appearances and Andy Gombas a ‘Gold’ Cap for a very impressive 75 qualifying appearances. Both players have represented the Over 50’s, 55’s and 60’s.

Andy Cranch also received an ‘Age Group’ Cap commemorating his 5 qualifying appearances for the Over 60’s.