Wales settle for a point
The Wales Semi Professional team had to settle for a point in their opening International Challenge Trophy match in Shamrock Park, Belfast, last night.
The young Welsh side battled tirelessly with nine-men after Neath's Sean Cronin and Airbus UK's Ryan Edwards were shown straight red cards by local referee Stephen Weatherall.
The Reds made a great start when Haverfordwest striker Jack Christopher scored a clinical header from a dangerous Scott Barrow corner after just three minutes. Shortly afterwards, Steven Cann made an excellent save from ex-Wrexham winger Michael Carvill. Christopher then overstretched a hamstring and was replaced by Craig Moses on 15 minutes and it was the sub who scored the Welsh second. Captain Craig Jones made a trademark break down the right and his centre was laid on a plate for Moses to tap home on 24 minutes.
Just three minutes later, the hosts responded with an excellently struck free-kick from Daryl Fordyce into the top left corner. Cronin was dismissed on 34 minutes on his debut when the assistant referee saw an off-the-ball incident. Wales had two excellent chances to extend their advantage, but Craig Moses and Curtis McDonald squandered the opportunities.
Ryan Edwards was sent off on 70 minutes for handling on the line and from the resulting penalty Stephen Cann saved excellently from Carvill. The Irish continued to exert pressure and despite having another ex-Wrexham player Rob Garrett sent-off for a second bookable offence, they equalised at the death when Jay Magee tapped in at the far post at a corner when Wales couldn't clear their lines.
See earlier post -
http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/llanelli-players-in-wales-squad.html
The young Welsh side battled tirelessly with nine-men after Neath's Sean Cronin and Airbus UK's Ryan Edwards were shown straight red cards by local referee Stephen Weatherall.
The Reds made a great start when Haverfordwest striker Jack Christopher scored a clinical header from a dangerous Scott Barrow corner after just three minutes. Shortly afterwards, Steven Cann made an excellent save from ex-Wrexham winger Michael Carvill. Christopher then overstretched a hamstring and was replaced by Craig Moses on 15 minutes and it was the sub who scored the Welsh second. Captain Craig Jones made a trademark break down the right and his centre was laid on a plate for Moses to tap home on 24 minutes.
Just three minutes later, the hosts responded with an excellently struck free-kick from Daryl Fordyce into the top left corner. Cronin was dismissed on 34 minutes on his debut when the assistant referee saw an off-the-ball incident. Wales had two excellent chances to extend their advantage, but Craig Moses and Curtis McDonald squandered the opportunities.
Ryan Edwards was sent off on 70 minutes for handling on the line and from the resulting penalty Stephen Cann saved excellently from Carvill. The Irish continued to exert pressure and despite having another ex-Wrexham player Rob Garrett sent-off for a second bookable offence, they equalised at the death when Jay Magee tapped in at the far post at a corner when Wales couldn't clear their lines.
See earlier post -
http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/llanelli-players-in-wales-squad.html
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