09/10/2004 - England v Wales Fans

Just ten minutes from kick off at Knutsford and Wales had only three players. Then off the M6, came the minibus carrying the rest of the team who had been caught in traffic with 6000 Wales supporters heading for Old Trafford.

With little chance to get to know teammates before the game it was not surprising that England took the lead shortly into the game through Betts, before Geraint Howell managed to grab an equaliser for Wales. Shortly before half time it was 2-1 Steve Annandale on the scoresheet. 2-1 to Wales at halftime and the game was delicately poised, with just one substitute available.

The second half was the "Dan the Man" show, with Dan Howe tearing England to pieces, scoring twice and setting up goals for Mark Loughlan, and Alun Williams.

It was a great performance from Wales, with everyone playing their part. Ryan Nookes was immense at the back for Wales with even Tony Jones playing well at full back before cramp put paid to his afternoon with minutes remaining. It was a jubilant Phil Olyott at the final whistle, captaining the team which he had set up four years previously, before swopping the managerial role with Neil Dymock who had been captain in that historic first game in Helsinki in 2002.

Mark Loughlan worked hard in midfield, while Geraint Howell held the ball up magnificently up front, ably supported by Alan Pitman, Steve Pearce, Steve Annandale and Alun Williams. While Mike Jones could do no wrong in the Welsh goal.

Full credit to the North West Branch of the England Supporters Branch, for battling until the end and escorting Wales safely through the back streets of Manchester after the game to Old Trafford.

Wales team: Mike Jones, Daniel Howe, Alan Pitman, Ryan Noakes, Steve Pearce, Neil Dymock, Phil Olyott (captain), Geraint Howell, Steve Annandale, Alun Williams, Mark Loughlan and Tony Jones.

Scorers for Wales were Geraint Howell, Steve Annandale, Mark Loughlan, Daniel Howe (2) and Alun Williams.