Para Football
Para Football

The Para Lions secure a deserved draw against current IBSA European champions, Russia

Thursday 19 Sep 2019
The Para Lions celebrate their result against Russia at the 2019 IBSA European Championship

England's hope of securing a semi-final spot at the IBSA European Championship live on, after a dramatic draw against Russia.

The Para Lions went into their third game of the tournament against the holders knowing they couldn't afford to lose the game.

After a victory over Germany and a draw with group leaders France in their opening two games, Jon Pugh's side sat second in the table and they retain that position going into Friday's final group match against Greece.

But when Russia's star man Denis Egorov opened the scoring after just five minutes when he drilled a powerful left-footer past Dylan Malpas to put his side ahead, England were faced with an uphill task against one of the best teams in the competition.

The Para Lions hung in there and showed their character and strength, throwing everything at the Russians in the second half in the search for an equaliser.

Sub Rob Williams was denied by keeper Anton Yakelev, before a stunning run down the left by Roy Turnham ended with a shot on target saved well by the same player.

But Turnham scored a deserved goal with just over five minutes to go, when Malpas saved a shot before throwing out quickly to Turnham on the left.

He controlled well, before cutting inside a defender and firing past the helpless Yakovlev to prompt some lively celebrations on the touchline.

They could've won it too, when Williams broke through the middle again only to find Yakelev equal to his shot.

You can watch England's game against Greece live on Friday (8am BST) live on the FISPIC YouTube channel.

England: 1 Dylan Malpas, 5 Dan English, 7 Brandon Coleman, 9 Roy Turnham, 10 Darren Harris

Subs: 6 Robin Williams, 3 Owen Bainbridge

Subs not used: 13 Samuel Marsden, 4 Azeem Amir, 8 Rainbow Mbungai

Goals: Roy Turnham (14, 2H)

Coach: Jon Pugh

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels