England Over 50’s had an emphatic victory at St Georges Park as they continued their unbeaten run. From early on England had dominated play and prodded several good opportunities and twice rattled the post and bar before a rebound of the keeper was volleyed home by Paul Walton. Though possession continued heavily in England’s favour half time approached and the lead had not increased, a fine save from Rob Keating kept the score at 1-0.
As the second half started there seemed more purpose about England’s play. A smart passing move set up Birmingham’s Mike Milligan who fired home on his debut. Skipper Neil Browne then finished off another fine move to tuck his shot in the corner. Milligan then scored his second and Ian Ward from Pele’s Pearls guided home an inch perfect Browne pass. Four goals in 6 minutes after the restart had totally finished the game as a competition. Some unusually slack defending the let the Wales team open their account with a smart finish in the top corner. England picked up their game once again and with 20 minutes still left to play Leggy Mambo’s Neil Evans completed a brace within 3 minutes to take the score to 7-1. The last 15 minutes played out with England keeping possession for large parts of play. It was difficult to single out performances in this game, England were slick and the quality of their passing and link up play was at times sublime.
The more they play together the more their confidence and game improves. On this performance they are going to be difficult to beat and if they stay focussed they can go to Milan next month with a high expectation of a positive result against Italy.
Manager Paul Murtagh said, “A thoroughly professional and disciplined performance, we moved the ball really well, built pressure in and around the Welsh defense, creating numerous chances throughout the game. Some well taken goals against a much-improved Welsh team that was busy and solid throughout. We will enjoy the result initially, but I feel we can still tidy up certain areas of our game. We have to keep improving and maintain momentum leading up to the Euros.”
