Sweden

0-16

England

 

 

Bajada 7

 

 

Watson 2

 

 

Whitelock 2

 

 

Morris

 

 

Curley

 

 

Marks

 

 

Chandler

 

 

Own goal


Once again the England Learning Disability team got off to a flying start in the Global Games Bollnäs, Sweden securing a 16-0 victory in front of a stunned home crowd.

The scoring started as early as the 5th minute when Lele Bajada scored the first of his seven goals with a header after a melee in the box. The goals kept coming in a regular procession with Bajada completing his hat trick in the 38th minute. At half time England lead 7-0.

The second half saw the Three Lions relentlessly drive forward. Playing with width, pace and passion, England created chance after chance.

The Swedish goalkeeper, Daniel Samuelsson outperformed his team mates with some fine saves and keeping the score lower than it could have been.

At the end of the game the Swedish fans and players were pleased to hear the final whistle. England had produced some very good debut performances from Dean Chandler and Scott Curley in particular, and played as a cohensive unit stamping their authority on the tournament in  the early stages.

Team Manager Lyndon Lynch commented: “This is a wonderful start to any tournament.

"I am very pleased with the fluid way we played considering we had four players making their debuts.

"However we will not be complacent and have three days to prepare for our final group game against Brazil.

"The lads will continue to work hard and our excellent staff will prepare the players to get a positive result and progress to the latter stages of this tournament.”

Speaking to the Swedish national media and television after the game, Lele Bajada said: “Scoring seven goals for England is a dream come true. I was fortune to be in the right position and the team created some great opportunities for me. We are all looking forward to the Brazil game.”

The Global Games are the Learning Disability equalivent to the Paralympics, with over 1800 athletes gathered in Bollnäs to complete not only in the football competition but in athletics, swimming, table tennis, tennis and basketball events.

England: Wesley Jackman (Liam McVicar, 45), Grant Smith (Daniel Cole 55), Ricky Alexander (Chris Kempsley, 55), David Young, Dean Chandler, Scott Curley (Paul Walters, 55), Lee Whitelock, Sam Marks, Lele Bajada, Ronnie Watson, James Morris