A 1-1 draw between England Veterans’ Over 70’s and Wales on Friday 24th April in Leicestershire – England retain the NHS Challenge Trophy.

England started brightly and in the second minute a long kick from goalkeeper Brian Kirk, evaded the Wales defence and Steve Mole ran through to slot the ball past the Welsh goalie.

This stirred the Welsh and in the 12th minute Graham Miles equalised from the edge of the box.

Wales had the better of the first half but they could not capitalise on their possession and the scores were still level at half-time.

In the second half, England stepped up their game and became the dominant force. But neither side could break the deadlock, and the match finished all square.

The Man of the Match awards were presented to Don Bradley of England and Phil Gibbs of Wales.

Thank you to Lutterworth Athletic FC for hosting the game and the Referee and Assistants for officiating.

The two teams will meet again in Cardiff in June for the European Championships and again in October for the World Cup in Australia.

Photos: England Veterans’ Over 70’s. Captain Don Bradley with the NHS Challenge Trophy. The teams line up before kick off.