English Schools' Football Association

Friday 27 February 2015 will go down in the history of Cornish football as it was the occasion of the first ever International Football match to be held in the county. England began well taking the game to Wales and keeping them on the back foot, the pressure was relentless. During this early onslaught Elliot Cutts sent an effort very close following good work from busy midfielder Frank Rosenwald. Mustapha Bundu and Rene Armstrong, the England forward pairing, were terrorising the Welsh defence with their pace and constant movement. Rosenwald also continued to cause concern and an effort in the 14^th minute just shaved the bar.

The continual English pressure was met with a solid Welsh response and Daniel Evans in the Welsh goal produced and outstanding save from Bundu after he was put clear by Jordan Storey. Not to be outdone, fellow defender Adam Curry send a powerful header just wide from a penetrating corner, surely a goal must come.

The Welsh defence performed heroics but were finally breached in the 40^th minute when an incisive through ball from Bundu was met by the speedy Rene Armstrong who fired into the far corner of the net leaving Evans with no chance. Two minutes later Bundu was again involved when he allowed a cross field pass to run on to Elliot Cutts whose terrific drive almost exited the back of the net!

The half time whistle was welcomed by the hardworking Welsh and allowed the ground record crowd to catch their breath. They also realised the rain had now started to fall!

The second half began with the Welsh fired up and they went very close from their first attack – England beware! Adam Curry and Jordan Skelton were marshalling the English defence well but were powerless to counter the strengthening wind and rain which was making life very difficult.

The flowing play of the first half was now impossible and more and more errors were being forced as legs became heavier coping with the claggy conditions, and the crowd, bless them, continued to voice their support for both teams despite the penetrating rain which was making their experience less enjoyable.

The tempo of the game was also disrupted on going substitutions however the Welsh were determined to get something from their travels. As the game moved into its closing minutes Monty George brought off a world class save after a wicked deflection. This was rapidly followed by a solid effort which rebounded from the crossbar. The final throw of the dice from Wales but England were good value for their 2-0 victory.

As Lee Probert brought the game to its conclusion the crowd expressed their delight and made their way home - wet but happy.

This was a cracking start to the inspiresport Centenary Shield programme for England who move on to their next challenge at Eastleigh against Northern Ireland next Friday, 6 March.

Match report by Dave Woollaston

Photos courtesy of Colin Bradbury, Truro City FC