Mid Cheshire League

4-0

Malta

Davies 26, 56 (2 pens)

 

 

Towey 62

 

 

Gahgan 76

UEFA Regions Cup
Central/West Preliminary Round
Primorska, Slovenia
27 September 2004

England's Mid Cheshire League side stormed into the Intermediary Round Group Stage with a 4-0 win over Malta on Friday afternoon.

The conditions could not have been more extreme, training in the morning in 23 degrees and then ten degrees, plus torrential rain and thunder throughout the match, turned the pitch into a massive puddle.

A UEFA directive ensured that the games had to be played in these conditions, which would have seen any game off on any other day.

Due to results in the other Preliminary Round Group that morning, Mid Cheshire knew they just required a win to secure a place in either the Bosnian or Croatian groups.

The first goal was scored within thirty seconds of the kick off, as Dave Murray slotted home, but the referee deemed a foul had been committed against the keeper, and it did not stand.

The eighth minute of the game saw Aidan Brodigan clean through one on one with the keeper, but the chance was hit straight at the advancing goalie.

The Maltese had their best chance in the 23rd minute with a free kick, which was saved well by a cold, bedraggled Richie Mottram in the England net.

England took the lead in the 26th minute, having dominated the game to this point, when Neil "Pops" Larkin was fouled in the box, and Steve Davies converted from the spot.

Jerry Coll received a yellow card in the 33rd minute for a late challenge, taking the team tally to five for the competition, bookings carry over into the next group stage in Bosnia. Captain Stuart Fraser soon followed for a late challenge as the pitch became more tricky as the rain hammered down.

Coll was replaced at half time by Justin Farrelly. Chris Gahgan sprang into life in the second half and the Maltese defence could not cope with his pace, fouling him and conceding free kicks twice in the first minute.

The 56th minute brought a neat pass from Neil Critchley to Dave Murray, who was pole axed in the penalty area to give Steve Davies his second goal from the spot, and take the lead in the Golden Boot competition.

Kevin Towey, a sub for Brodigan, had only been on the pitch for five minutes before running onto a pass from Craig Robinson. He cut in from the right wing and curled the ball into the top left corner to make it 3-0.

Chris Gahgan's shot from the touchline, reminiscent of Ronaldinho v England in 2002 World Cup, made the score line 4-0 with 14 minutes remaining, and there could have been many more goals, but the puddle that was the pitch prevented a complete rout.

This result added to the Northern Irish losing to Slovenia means England qualify as Group Winners and proceed to Bosnia to face the hosts, Bosnia, the Republic of Ireland & San Marino week commencing Sunday November 7th.

Nick Armitage, England Head Coach stated "I am over the moon and could not have asked any more of the players.

"Once we got the first goal, I knew we were going through, and in the end it was just a matter of how many. The conditions were awful but we adapted better than Malta.

"The dressing room is buzzing, and we can't wait for the next stage of this competition!"