England 1-0 Moldova

UEFA European U19 Championship
Second Qualifying Round, Group 1
30 March 2005

The England U19s were already assured of a place at the European Championship Finals in July but coach Martin Hunter was looking for a good performance in the final match against Moldova at Bloomfield Road.

He made five changes from the side which had won both its group games and hoped to better both those 1-0 victories with diiferent squad members given the chance to make a name for themselves.

But despite some impressive build up work, England were restricted to a penalty and some long range shots with the Moldovan keeper Ilie Cebanu only making one real save of note when he pushed away Ryan Jarvis powerful 12-yard volley.

Indeed the Moldovans proved to be far more able in their general play and certainly more resilient across the back four than many had expected.

England made most of their progress down the flanks using Southampton winger Lee Holmes a great deal in the early stages.

It was from one of Holmes’ teasing crosses in the 22nd minute that England almost went ahead but skipper Martin Craine’s header went just over.

Three minutes later the referee, who allowed very little physical contact throughout, awarded England a penalty.

A great through ball from Lawrence Wilson found Ryan Jarvis on the edge of the box. He turned defender Alex Epureanu who then hauled down Jarvis just inside the box.

Sunderland’s impressive midfielder Grant Leadbitter stroked home the spot kick.

Moldova were not shaken by conceding and started to come into the game strongly - it took a great block tackle from Craine in the 30th minute to halt Alexander Zislis, who was clean through on goal.

England keeper Tom Heaton made a comfortable save from Serghie Alexeev‘s header but the Manchester United stopper was well beaten by Alexander Suvorov 25-yarder which flashed just wide.

On the stroke of half time the lively Suvorov - who must have impressed the gaggle of Premiership scouts was again inches wide this time with a curling free kick.

In the second half England had much of the territorial advantage but failed to find that elusive scoring touch.

England U19 v Moldova, Blackpool, 30 March 2005

England: Tom Heaton - Manchester United, Phil Ifil - Tottenham Hotspur, David Wheater - Middlesbrough, Martin Cranie - Southampton (capt.), Andrew Taylor - Blackburn Rovers, Grant Leadbitter - Sunderland, Asa Hall - Birmingham City (Ryan Smith - Arsenal, 69), Laurence Wilson - Everton, William Hoskins - Rotherham United, Lee Holmes - Derby County (Dexter Blackstock - Southampton, 87), Ryan Jarvis - Norwich City

Goals: Leadbitter 25 (pen)