Czech Republic

2-3

England

Lemfeld 44, Makovsky (pen) 75

Williamson 16, Quaye 54, Morrisey 82

UEFA Regions' Cup
Intermediary Round
Group 4 Qualifying Tournament
Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
Thursday 19 April

The Isle of Man League team kept their UEFA Regions’ Cup hopes alive against the Czech Republic with a much-needed win on Thursday.

Defeat in the opening game meant that nothing less than victory would suffice to stay on course for qualification for June’s Final Tournament in Bulgaria.

Kevin Manning’s England side took the lead on the quarter-hour mark when a corner from Chris Bass was headed home by Ross Williamson and it led to sustained period of pressure from the Islanders. Kevin Megson almost extended the lead ten minutes later, but his header from Bass’s centre went wide of the mark.

However, the Group 4 hosts levelled matters just before the break when Kemfeld ended a superb passing movement involving four players and fired home from inside the six-yard box.

The Manxmen regained the lead eight minutes into the second half when Sean Quaye, who is having an excellent tournament, rose to power home another Bass corner.

It all looked to be going in England’s favour until Daniel Lace saw red after an hour and left the Three Lions to battle on with ten men. This was a massive blow to the team and their disappointment was compounded on 73 minutes when the Horac fell inside the area, following a challenge by Quaye, and the referee awarded a penalty. Makovsky sent Blair the wrong way and England looked to be going out of the competition.

They now through caution to the wind and poured forward looking for the winner that would keep them in the Regions’ Cup. On 75 minutes Bass fired in a tremendous shot that was brilliantly tipped over by Stastny in the home goal while at the other end Blair pulled off a great save from a Horac pile driver.

But with time running out, the winner arrived and yet again Bass was the provider. Just as the Czechs had failed to stop his precise deliveries earlier, Bass swung in another pinpoint cross for Calum Morissey to hook home, despite the close attentions of two Czech defenders.

Coach Manning reflected on what had been a tremendous performance by his team.

“We knew we had to win and I could not have asked for more effort from everyone connected with the team.

“We now know that we must win our final fixture on Saturday and rely on others to get us through to the Finals. From our two performances so far, though, we deserve to go through,” he added.

“We will give it everything on Saturday.”

The goalless draw between Northern Ireland and Slovakia means that three teams can still qualify. England must beat the Irish and hope that the Czechs can get at least a draw from their neighbours Slovakia.

There may still be a few twists to come on Saturday.

Click here for the table and match schedule...

England Squad
Mark Blair (Laxey FC), Grant Dawson (Ayre Utd FC), Daniel Lace (Peel FC), Kevin Megson (Peel FC), Julian Ringham (St George’s FC) Mark Teare (Douglas Royals FC), Nigel Shimmin (Peel FC), Sean Quaye (St George’s FC), Chris Bass (St George’s FC), James Travers (Laxey FC), Paul Jones (Rushen Utd FC), Nick Hurt (Peel FC), Lee Dixon (St Mary’s FC), Callum Morrisey (St George’s FC), John Myers (St George’s FC), Ross Williamson (Laxey FC), Martin Reilly (St Mary’s FC) Michael Hooper (Douglas High School OB FC)

You can follow the progress of the team throughout the week here on TheFA.com...

Photos: Phil Mingo (Pinnacle)