A crushing 6-1 defeat for England Veterans’ Over 60’s on Sunday 8th February against a very strong Wiltshire Over 55’s team which included three very talented younger players.

England started brightly and had a very good first twenty minutes – Player/Manager Andy Cranch put England one up.

A bizarre decision by the referee to give the hosts a penalty put the game level – not one Wiltshire player appealed for the infringement. This gave the home side momentum and they soon added two more before half time.

England had unfortunately lost three regular centre half’s before kick off and the strength of the younger Wiltshire team prevented England from getting back into the game. Individual errors led to Wiltshire scoring another three in the second half.

Cranch did put the ball in the Wiltshire net for a second time but the referee deemed that the quickly taken freekick was too quick.

Our thanks to the match officials and to Wiltshire for a very good competitive game and for their excellent hospitality.

Photo’s by John Newport follow him here: www.facebook.com

Local football photographer John Newport ventured to Stanley Park in Chippenham on Sunday evening to see Wiltshire Veterans Over-55 host England Over-60. After the game, Wiltshire said: “Thank you to all that turned out in dreary conditions to watch this one. Major thank you to Andy Cranch and his squad for the effort to get to Wiltshire. England went ahead early doors and pressed Wiltshire back. Wiltshire slowly but surely got a foothold in the game despite a couple of tricky injuries. A first half hat-trick for the skipper Steve Tweddle helped turn things around. Great late afternoon fixture played in very good spirits. Onward to the next adventure. Cardiff in four weeks and the Wells 55s await.”