West Yorkshire League earn vital point against Serbia

England's representatives in the UEFA Regions Cup fought back again from conceding an early lead to secure a vital point against Serbia on Thursday. 

The West Yorkshire League now sit top of the qualification table knowing that victory in Saturday’s showdown with Russia will guarantee qualification to the UEFA Regions Cup Final for the very first time.

The initial stages of the game saw a cagey approach from both teams which gave no hint of a goal until the ball fell to Savic who unleashed a 25 yard cannon which left Kerr with no chance. 

The Three Lions' response was immediate with Tom Greaves shooting wide when well placed but this was England’s best moment of the first half as the team lost focus and could have been facing a two goal deficit at the break but for an excellent block from the dependable Kerr in goal.

But after just one and a half games in European competition, this team has not only demonstrated resilience but also that they are quick learners. 

Within seconds of the restart it was clear that the players had shaken off their angst and irritation and replaced it with a clear-minded determination which delivered 45 minutes of high tempo football. 

And after 54 minutes, a Crawford free-kick on the right broke to Moon whose 18 yard volley was spilled by the keeper, with Aiden Day on hand to bundle the ball home.

England were now firmly in the ascendancy, as a sparkling five man move saw Zivkov pull off a fine save from the busy Crawford before Moon had a header from a corner harshly ruled out for an infringement in the box. 

The ubiquitous Moon then went close with successive headers, the second hitting the underside of the bar before a Serbian boot gratefully scrambled it clear in what was the final meaningful action of the game.

Whilst a shade disappointed that they hadn’t gone on to win the game, England will be satisfied that their European adventure is still firmly alive and will come to a climax against Russia at 5pm this Saturday.

England: Kerr, Maynard, Dutson, Greaves, O’Neil (Fennell 45), Day, Crawford, Payne, Jackson (Cunningham on 55), Moon, Jeavons (Frankland 75). Subs Unused Gardiner, Graham, Nolan, Dixon.