England 2-0 Faroe Islands

Nordic International Tournament
Kauhajoki, Finland
04 August 2004

England recorded a convincing 2-0 victory over the Faroe Islands in Kauhajoki this evening to maintain their 100% record in the Nordic International Tournament.

Having come through a tight match with Sweden yesterday, John McDermott opted for fresh legs, with no less than seven debutants in the starting line up. 

It seemed an astute strategy as England piled on the pressure in the first half, but a deep Faroe Islands rear-guard resolutely held firm. Despite several chances for the young England side, it remained level at half time.

After the break England continued to plug away, and following several good saves by the Faroes keeper, England finally broke the door down on 65 minutes, as Robert Sissons converted a corner with his head.

Less than ten minutes later England extended their lead as Nicky Laws, one of the debutants, cut in from the right and fired home.

Coach John McDermott was understandably delighted with maintaining a 100% record, although felt his men could have been more incisive.

"It’s pleasing all in all. The team showed a real maturity and composure," he said.

"Ideally we could have shown a bit more guile, but that’s the beauty of testing ourselves against foreign opposition - they play differently and provide different problems.

"It was pleasing that in the end we could provide answers to those problems."

England: Holloway, Law, Hines, Watts, Goldbourne, Mulvany (Gooding, 52), Kelly (Sissons, 52), Davis (Omozusi, 62), Ephraim, Woods (Mills, 78), Simpson

Goals: Sissons 65, Law 77