Narrow defeat for England

UEFA Regions' Cup
Intermediary Round
Group 4 Qualifying Tournament
Trutnov, Czech Republic
Tuesday 17 April

The Isle of Man League team, England's representatives in the UEFA Regions' Cup as winners of The FA National League System Cup 12 months ago, opened their qualifying campaign with a narrow defeat on Monday.

It wasn't far too travel for their opponents Slovakia, the match was in Trutnov in neighbouring Czech Republic and was played in very hot conditions.

Slovakia almost took the lead after an even opening 20 minutes when the impressive Bician broke from inside his own half and with the Manx defence backing off he shot wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Two minutes later, following a mix up in the otherwise reliable England rear-guard, they came close to scoring again as the ball ricocheted around the six yard box before Lee Dixon cleared for a corner. The Slovak outfit, from the capital Bratislava, were taking the game to England and it was no surprise when, just after the half hour mark, they finally took the lead. Kretter's cross from the corner skimmed of the head of Nick Hurt and found the back of the net - the deflection giving Mark Blair in the England goal little chance.

Kevin Manning's team knew they had a job on their hands after the break and they poured forward to put pressure on the Slovakian defence.

After a series of good opportunities, England levelled on 68 minutes. Calum Morissey fired home from six yards after his initial effort, from a Chris Bass corner, had been blocked.

The goal was greated with much delight by the Manx supporters, which included the Walsall University Barmy Army who have been following the side since they began their domestic Cup campaign.

England could sense that victory was within there grasp and conitued to attack, but as one chance went begging the Slovakians broke to snatch a winner with just over 15 minutes remaining.

Hurt's powering a header from another Bass corner hit the underside of the bar and bounced on the line and into the grateful arms of Bolech in the Slovakian goal. While England's players were appealing for a goal, the Lithuanian referee waved play off and Bolech cleared the ball upfield where Cisar crossed for Bician to sweep in the winner. 

Coach Manning was disappointment in defeat and pointed the the first half display: "The match was there to be won but we were too slow in getting to grips with the opposition," he said. 

"Losing the first match in a tournament like this will make it difficult to qualify, but we now know what we have to do and that is win our remaining two fixtures.

"This is in our own hands."

Elsewhere in Group 4, Northern Ireland won their opening game against the hosts Czech Republic 3-1. 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) and 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)