The winning goal, scored by Dagenham & Redbridge’s debutant Craig Mackael-Smith, came on the stroke of half time.

With Scotland only managing a 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland, Fairclough’s side need only a draw against the "auld enemy" on Saturday to lift the trophy.

Full match report to follow

England National Game XI v. Wales, 26 May 2005

England: Matt Glennon - Carlisle United, Stephen Haslam - Halifax Town, Ismail Yakubu - Barnet, Keiran Charnock - Northwich Victoria, Mark Robinson - Hereford United, Andy Taylor - Exeter City, Craig Stanley - Hereford United (Nicky Bailey - Barnet, 61), Glen Southam - Dagenham & Redbridge, Scott Kerr - Scarborough, Craig Mackail-Smith - Dagenham & Redbridge (Dean Sinclair - Barnet, 86), Anthony Elding - Stevenage Borough

Wales: Pennock; Jones, Todd, Steve Evans, Searle; Bale, Tudur-Jones, Holloway 9Davies, 73), Barnard (Llyod-Williams, 90); Giles, Graham Evans.

Referee: Mr. I. Frickleton (Scotland).