14/08/2013 - Wales Fans v Rep. of Ireland

The Wales Supporters team came together to welcome their Celtic neighbours the Republic of Ireland. The game took place at Grange Albion FC where Wales have a very poor record and the Irish were quietly confident of doing a job on the Welsh. With Wales Manager Neil Dymock unavailable due to work commitments, the team was put in charge of Caretaker Manager Owen Williams.

As the rain poured down on the capital a very good mix of youth and experience were gathering in the home changing room. Wales went with a 4-4-2 with ex Mr Wales contestant Andrew Dowling captaining the team for the first time. Wales started the game well and had a very good chance to take the lead early on after good work by Nathan Davies saw a shot from Matthew Alm well saved by the Irish Keeper. The home side started to play some nice football with Simon Thomas taking a firm grip on the midfield with Paul Kinsey and Jordan Sullivan causing problems down the flanks.

But against the run of play, and with the help of some sloppy passing, the Irish took a shock 1-0 lead. Goal Keeper Luke James had no chance with the goal but made his feelings clear to the other players. Wales had to regroup but before they had a chance they found themselves 2-0 down, again it was down to poor play. Caretaker Boss Williams had a big task on his hands to get his team going again.

As the first half went on, Wales put more pressure on the Irish goal and had started to create some good opportunities to get a goal back but the Irish defence stood strong. The Welsh dominance paid off with a quick corner taken by Williams to Ashley Hollingshead whose cross came shot found the back of the net. Wales were back in the game and took no time in equalising with the goal from Davies. Half time was fast approaching it looked like it would be honours even at the break, but on the stroke of half time Wales launched one last attack through a good run by Hollingshead and the ball found its way to Sullivan who smashed it in to the top corner of the net. Half Time Wales 3 Republic of Ireland 2.

After some wise words from Assistant Manager Kevin Davies at half time, Wales started the second half well. Wales now had a very experienced back four on the pitch in Huw Williams, Gareth Dainton, Tim Hartley and Chester Hartley. Within 5 minutes of the restart, Wales capitalised on some poor Irish defending and got the goal to put them 4-2 up. From this point on it was plain sailing for Wales who started to stamp their authority on the game. Two quick goals from Matthew Alm put the game out of reach for the Irish, who were starting to look very tired by now. Aled Swain then put Wales further ahead with a well worked goal. With the game drawing to a close The Irish got a consolation goal with a very well struck free kick that found the bottom corner of the net.

The game finished and it was a well overdue win for Wales, all the players, management staff and supporters were overjoyed with a well worked win.

Final Score Wales Supporters 7 Republic of Ireland Supporters 3

A big thank you must go to Gareth Edwards for refereeing the match at short notice and also to the Barry Town fan who helped retrieve the footballs from behind the goal.