England U18 Schoolboys take a huge 4 – 0 win over Scotland at Spennymoor Town FC
England Under 18 Schoolboys made it two wins from two in the inspiresport Centenary Shield thanks to a 4-0 win over Scotland.
A Josh Stones hat-trick, along with a goal from Alfie Dean was enough to see England comfortably beat their Scottish opponents.
Scotland had the first chance of the game, as a corner was flashed in, John Binney found himself unmarked at the far post but scuffed his effort wide of the target. England’s first real chance of the game fell to Bailey Hall; however, he fired a shot over the bar from the left-hand side of the goal.
England nearly found the breakthrough moments later, after Scotland were caught in possession, Stones found himself in sight of goal – only for his long-range effort to fire back off of the woodwork.
After half an hour, England found themselves with another opportunity. As a corner was floated into the area, Stones leapt highest to nod the ball home for the game’s opener. Only five minutes later, Scotland gave possession away once again, Stones found himself forty yards away from goal with only the goalkeeper to beat. Cool as you like, Stones carried the ball forward before rounding the goalkeeper to fire home his, and England’s second goal of evening.
The half-time whistle sounded, and England carried a well-deserved lead into the break.
As in the first half, Scotland had the chance to score early on in the second. Harvey Keogh was on hand to parry a shot wide and keep the deficit at two goals. Moments later, Keogh was relieved to see a cross-come-shot flash wide of his left hand post, and Scotland would see another chance go begging.
Scotland’s second half pressure continued, until England managed to wrestle possession; with Alfie Dean finding himself with a sight on goal. He unleashed a low left footed drive which beat the goalkeeper and found the bottom corner to make it three for the team in white.
Despite being three goals down, Scotland refused to give in and dominated large parts of possession. They found themselves with a corner with just under half an hour to play, the ball was floated in and Harry Stephen headed his effort just over the bar.
Scotland refused to give up and their second half dominance would continue, with England showing little going forward. The Scots broke forward again and forced another smart save from Keogh, the England stopper ensured that his clean sheet was kept intact.
As the game entered its final ten minutes, England launched yet another counterattack and Stones found himself in on goal. With the angle closing on the England captain, a cheeky lob saw the Scotland goalkeeper stranded and Stones made it a hat-trick for himself.
4-0 could be seen to flatter the English side, however a solid defensive performance, coupled with a class display from the side’s attackers would see them to a comfortable victory. England saw the remainder of the game out without facing any real pressure to make it two wins from two in the Centenary Shield.
The England squad take on the Republic of Ireland at Eastleigh FC next week, in what will be a highly contested game as they bid to keep their Centenary Shield winning ambitions alive.
Watch the match highlights here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yReF5aNPNN8
The Last Chance to watch England Schoolboys on home turf in 2022 –
Tickets are still available to attend England’s final home fixture next Friday 8th April at 7pm. The evening will give fans the opportunity to bring along a pair of unused football boots, which can be recycled and made available to players who need them most, via Utilita’s Football Rebooted campaign. There will be a variety of activities for fans to participate in, including the chance to discover some of the latest and greatest football innovations at the Pro:Direct Soccer Trial Van, where fans can have a quick game of FIFA as they get into the matchday spirit. Utilita’s Football Rebooted activation will task fans to show off their best ball skills, too!
With tickets priced at just £5 and £3 for, what is sure to be a night of incredible footballing skill, the Centenary Shield organisers are hopeful that a great crowd will be in attendance to cheer on the England side in their last match on home turf of 2022.
The match will be live on BBC Sport and the ESFA’s YouTube channel, featuring co-commentary by legendary former England footballer, David James MBE – so for a chance to see yourself on TV, as well as supporting some incredible Schools’ Footballers, purchase your tickets today!
Tickets are available here: https://www.eastleighfc.com/tickets/ – don’t miss out!
The National Governing Body for Schools’ Football in England.