Martin hits the right note

England 1-0 Turkey

International U19 Friendly
7.45pm, Wednesday 21 March 2007
Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster Rovers FC
UEFA European U19 Championship Qualifiers - Click Here

Norwich City striker Chris Martin grabbed the only goal of the game to snatch a well-earned victory over a strong Turkish outfit, and send England into their European Championship Qualifiers on a high.

Facing the technically and physically imposing Turkish side, Brian Eastick saw character and tenacity in his players as they fought for this impressive victory - in the first meeting between the sides at U19 level.

The opening exchanges were competitive and evenly matched as both sides sought to take control of the game. Muamba and Hammill in the midfield both showed quick feet and a good eye for a pass, but Kivrak in the Turkish goal was immediately off his line to thwart any through ball attempts.

Both sides showed they had the attacking intensity to trouble their opponents, but there were few golden opportunities in the first half with athleticism and concentration dampening creative contributions.

Elliot Omozusi showed his natural ability to find himself in the right place at the right time when defending, clearing a goalbound header from under the crossbar to keep the scores level. The Fulham defender was on his toes to prevent the goal as Kocin rose highest from a corner.

With Hammill providing the width from the left and Rossi Jarvis looking to cause problems on the opposing flank, Mark Davies and Hogan Ephraim were charged with creating chances for the Three Lions through the middle with James Vaughan leading the forward line.

With just two minutes of the half remaining James Vaughan fired in the first meaningful effort on target from the home side, a stinging left foot volley that Kivrak gathered at his near post.

In the second period England had a flurry of chances in the first ten minutes, with substitute Danny Haynes looking a menacing threat down the right flank. The Ipswich forward stretched the Turkish defence with his pace, and almost opened the scoring with an instinctive left-footed strike that Kivrak did well to turn past the post.

James Vaughan saw another shot go inches wide, while Hogan Ephraim also went close with a placed effort.

But the home side did not have it all their own way, Turkey were also prone to creating openings, although mainly on the counter attack, and Jamie Annerson had to be alive to some testing crosses and through balls.

The game continued to swing one way and then the other, good work on the left from Ephraim and Golbourne presented a good chance for Chris Martin on his debut at this level. Then as soon as the chance was lost Turkey sped down the other end of the pitch, with only the attention of Omozusi denying a certain goal.

After 69 minutes Hogan Ephraim sent a dangerous free kick just wide from 25 yards, the dipping, swerving effort had Kivrak concerned but in the end it drifted narrowly wide of the post.

With the game seemingly headed for a deadlock, Chris Martin fired the home side into the lead with a composed finish. Danny Haynes burst through on the right wing, crossing the ball just before being fouled, and though the assistant referee flagged for a foul the referee waved play-on and Martin took full advantage.

Chesting the ball down and lifting the ball over the Turkish keeper, Martin provided an exciting finish to a competitive game and sent England into the qualifiers with their heads held high.