Galatasaray winger sends Three Lions out of the International Challenge Trophy

England C 0-1 Turkey
The International Challenge Trophy
Semi-Final
7.45pm, Tuesday 5 February 2013
Princes Park, Dartford FC

It took a goal from Galatasaray winger Aydin Yilmaz with just three minutes remaining to send England out of the International Challenge Trophy.

Over 3,000 fans turned out on a cold night in Kent as Paul Fairclough's side were looking to secure their passage into the Final.

But Yilmaz, who also netted in the Istanbul giant's Champions League win over Braga in December, had other ideas.

While the Three Lions were a man short with Simon Ainge off receiving treatment, Yilmaz stroked past Preston Edwards when the game looked destined for extra-time.

England, though, can be proud of matching their top-flight opponents for much of what was a noisy night in Dartford.

The visitors had much of the better half, Yilmaz, Murat Duruer and Cenk Tosun were all kept at bay by Edwards. Soner Aydogdu also tried one from inside his own half, but it was off target.

Fairclough's boys began to impose themselves more after the break. Luton Town forward Andre Gray had a couple of chances, one went wide and the other was dealt with by Turkish keeper Ertugrul Taskiran.

One of England's most impressive players, Mansfield Town midfielder Lindon Meikle, who faced Liverpool in The FA Cup last month, came close when he connected with Josh Gillies' delivery. His effort went off target, however.

That would have put the seal on the night for the home side, but instead Turkey broke with three minutes left.

And it was Yilmaz, who made his full international debut in a World Cup Qualifier against Hungary in October, who made the most of the space to secure Turkey's place in the Final.

England
Preston Edwards, Jamie Turley, Aswad Thomas, Simon Ainge (Jackson, 88), Sam Wedgbury, Eddie Oshodi, Josh Gillies, Keiron Forbes, Andre Gray (Spencer, 82), Kenny Davis (Christian Jolley, 89), Lindon Meikle
Subs not used Sam Mott, Rossie Jarvis

Manager Paul Fairclough

Attendance 3,212.