England Veterans’ Over 55’s delivered a dominant performance to secure a deserved 2–0 victory over Wales in a feisty encounter on Saturday 17th January in Cardiff.

England started brightly and were unfortunate not to take the lead early on when Stafford Browne missed from six yards.

Despite controlling possession and moving the ball with pace, England were unable to break down a stubborn Welsh defence before the break. The first half also saw tempers flare, with Player-Manager John Price and the Welsh number two both shown yellow cards, while Mark Saggers was sin-binned, leaving England with ten men for the final ten minutes of the half.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with England on the front foot. The breakthrough finally came on 75 minutes when substitute Gideon Barnett finished off a superb delivery from Ricky Cornish.

England sealed the win ten minutes later as another substitute, David Gipp, created the chance for Stafford Browne to score and make amends for his earlier miss.

Victory means England retain the Martin Morley Cup.

Dave Smith was awarded Man of the Match for England for a tireless midfield performance.

Our thanks to the match officials and to Ocean Park Arena for hosting the match.

After the match, Ian Lang was presented with his England Veterans’ representative Cap, commemorating 5 or more international appearances for the Over 55’s. Well done Ian.

Photos: The England squad. Captain Ian Lang exchanges pennants with Wales’ Captain Andrew York. Ian Lang is presented with his Over 55’s representative Cap by Player-Manager John Price.