17/08/2004 - Latvia v Wales Fans

Wales Supporters faced against a team called FK Albert representing Latvia, who came runner up the previous season in the Second Division of the Latvian League. However Wales produced the best football they have played yet in their brief history of supporters games.

Wales had assembled very hung over from the night before, but a squad of 18 were present, as the convoy of taxis left the hotel De Rome in the centre of Latvia, with a bemused Danny Coyne looking on, after passing on a shopping trip.

On reaching the 'Albert Seibeja Stadium', on the outskirts of Riga, Wales found a team of Orphans from the 'Imante Orphanage' waiting, raising hopes of a Wales victory, but alas the true opponents of Wales, the Albert semi-professionals were going through a professional looking warm-up, with the orphans waiting for the 20 footballs Wales had brought them.

The supporters team had given up the tranquil surroundings of the originally booked Daugava Stadium, to let Mark Hughes and the Wales team prepare for the following evening. As the teams lined up for the kick off, referee Vladmire Palkevus and his assistants, insisted on FIFA regulations with the teams greeting each other before kick-off. For Neil Avaient from Barry, it was a magical moment, captaining his country on his stag trip alongside 4 of his stage mates.

The early exchanges saw Wales under pressure and after five minutes Edyss Sveu, opened scoring for Latvia. Wales came back into the game, with Adie Gratton shooting from long range, but on 22 minutes Maritins Acrventus added a second after another Latvia goal had been ruled out for offside. Before Wales could re-group it was 3-0, Dimtrys Izuvenus scoring with a 30 yard effort. Were Wales dead and buried?

Hopes were raised as half time neared, Rob Thomas going agonisingly close, hitting the post when clean through, before Neil Avaient, scored on his debut, swivelling and finding the bottom corner from 10 yards. Was a Welsh comeback on the cards?

With seconds remaining until the interval though, all hopes of a comeback were dashed as Wales lost three players in one fell swoop. Tragedy struck as Wales goalkeeper Howard Thomas, dislocated his thumb making a brave challenge. With Howard's two friends Dylan and Rob accompanying him to hospital also, Wales were now down to 16 and Carmarthen powerhouse, Chris Devon took over between the sticks. He was very nearly Carmarthen's sole second half representative, as Aled Williams came very close to being sent off with a show of dissent.

Alex Zyl, Wales most favourite Belarussian had also come on for his debut at this time, qualifying on the residency rule having spent one night at the Travel Lodge on St Mary's street.

Wales gradually begun making chances, building up hopes once more, but with Neil Avaient having a goal disallowed and shooting wide, the game was all but over on 63 minutes as Amands Srity shot Latvia into a 4-1 lead.

Wales never gave up though, with Paul Batcup, Marc Batcup, Phil Oloytt, Stuart Hughes, Perry Morgan, Chris Devon and Aled Williams, showing good form. With 15 minutes remaining Chris Devon strained his groin, with Russell Perry taking over in goal and keeping a clean sheet through to the final whistle.

Thanks to Barry Boys, Adie Gratton, Russell Perry, Steve Farmer and Jeff Lloyd for turning up on Neil Avaient's stag do and playing so well after 72 hours previous drinking. While a special thanks to David and Madeleine for taking Howard Thomas to hospital and getting him preferential treatment in causality as the tears rolled down his face.

Latvia: Ingis Izdins, Jans Rubulis, Kristian Girvies, Kurstans Sesnirs, Rautis Celemirs, Harolds Ivnus, Petris Sakowuu, Karla Rubins Ivans Bergins, Edvs Sveu, Dimtrys Izuvenus, Amands Srity, Maritins Acreventus, Emils Bentris, Andru Falnius, Didy Vendevero, Virtan Rode, Talu Saiz.

Wales: Howard Thomas, Adie Gratton, Phil Oloytt, Richard Oloytt, Jeff Lloyd, Russell Perry, Dylan Richards, Rob Thomas, Perry Morgan, Tim Hartley, Paul Batcup, Stuart Hughes, Marc Batcup, Steve Farmer, Neil Avaient, Alex Zyl, Chris Devon and Aled Williams.