England warmed up for the Euro Championship with a narrow defeat to Holland.

Learning Disability International Friendly
1.00pm, Sunday 27 April 2008
Curzon Ashton FC

England's Learning Disability team warmed up for this year's INAS-FID European Championship with a narrow 2-0 defeat to the reigning champions Holland.

The visitors took the lead after eight minutes thanks to a brilliant piece of individual skill from Jaap van Duyn.

The skilful winger danced through the England defence before slotting the ball past the helpless Kevin Ginever from 12 yards.

Holland continued to pile on the pressure with the impressive Dino Cornet denied on at least four occasions thanks to excellent goalkeeping from Ginever, the pick of which was a fine save with his feet after the tall forward burst clear of the defence.

Alan Gillett's side had their chances to equalise in the first half with both Grant Smith and Rudi Hall shooting just wide from the edge of the box.

But despite their best efforts The Three Lions went into half-time two goals down after Cornet was rewarded for his good work minutes before the break.

The striker ended a flowing move from the Dutch with a powerful low drive from the edge of the box sending it into the bottom corner of the net.

England were much improved in the second period as they took the game to the Dutch.

Michel Lion in the Holland goal could not hold on to a blistering drive from Ricky Mandleson and Dean Earle was the quickest to react, but couldn't steer the ball home from a tight angle.

Holland's counter-attacks were good and their goalscorers also missed a great chance each to double their tally for the day, with Cornet rattling the bar midway through the second period and Van Duyn firing inches wide when through on goal.

Despite the result, and the red card shown to Ronnie Watson, it proved a great work out against a skilful side and the England performance bodes well for the upcoming tournament.