Centenary Shield
Press Release: Friday, April 1, 2016
England snatch third victory in Shield campaign
England 2-1 Scotland
Aaron Smith (53, 90) Kyle Banner (64)
THE INSPIRESPORT CENTENARY SHIELD is becoming a real title contender for the English Schools FA following a late goal against Scotland tonight in Fleetwood Town FC.
Ben Lavelle’s side are becoming accustomed to these late winners as Aaron Smith netted a brace tonight for the hosts. His first of the evening came in the second period as Josh Shonibare turned supplier in the box for the youngster to net. The Scots were imposing their presence in the game and fought hard for the equaliser as substitute Kyle Banner netted just after the hour mark… Game on! It looked like a draw was going to favour the visitors but it wasn’t to be.
The strength and depth in the English squad was evident as the substitute Smith secured his second of the night as he lobbed the goalkeeper, Wilson inside the box for the match winner with four minutes of injury time remaining. The level of concentration and hunger from this English contingency was evident as another three points were secured at the death.
England enjoyed another valuable three points to top the Inspiresport Centenary Shield League table with three wins from three. It’s difficult to see how the other home nations will catch them with momentum so strong in the camp. The English have another home tie in the New Saints FC on Friday next, April 8 as they welcome reigning Champions, the Republic of Ireland to the venue for their final game of the series. A win here could see them lift the prestigious title. Paddy O’Reilly’s charges will be hoping to upset the momentum with a favourable response as this is only the second outing for the Irish outfit. The Republic of Ireland will host Scotland on April 14 in Killarney and then travel to Wales on April 28 for the conclusion of the Shield campaign so their faith has yet to be decided.
The late winner is a trademark for Lavelle’s lads as substitute Thomas popped up against Northern Ireland in their opening game to ensure victory. Jos converted with twenty minutes remaining. Northern Ireland’s Nathaniel Ferris equalised seven minutes later but a Zak Lilley penalty eight minutes from time was to prove decisive for the English outfit.
Their second victory in the Shield came at the hands of the Welsh as another 2-1 win away from home was to prove crucial. Wales’ scholar Nathan Wood gave the hosts a great advantage on 33 minutes but this was cancelled out seven minutes later by the impressive George Lamb. Another Aaron Smith match winner was produced six minutes from time to put England right in the driving seat of their 2016 title ambitions.
ENGLAND: Wycherley, O’Malley, Orisataka, Cook, Wisson (Captain), Shonibare, Breen, Smith, Bradshaw, Lilley, Thomas,
SUBS: Mouanada, O’Halloran for Lilley (68), Lawrence, Hartshorne for Shonibare (81), Woodward, Grange, Lamb for Breen (77),
SCOTLAND: Wilson, MacDonald, Kirkwood, Laing, Cook, Manson, Martin, Kane, Cunningham, MacLeod, Reid.
SUBS: Morton (GK), McRitchie, Strachan for Reid (HT), Smith for Martin (76), Banner for Kane (HT), Kosheodo.
InspiresportCentenary Shield Table
|
Teams |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
PTS |
|
England |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
3 |
9 |
|
Wales |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
Northern Ireland |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
|
Scotland |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
|
Republic of Ireland |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
April 1, 2016: Placing's are calculated on points only.
Inspiresport Centenary Shield RESULTS
Friday, February 26 Scotland 1-1 Northern Ireland in Lesser Hampden, Glasgow, KO 7pm
Friday, March 4 Northern Ireland 1-2 England in Comber, KO 4pm
Thursday, March 17 Republic of Ireland 0-0 Northern Ireland in Arklow Town FC, KO 1pm
Friday, March 18 Wales 1-2 England in The Book People Stadium, Bangor City FC, KO 7pm
Thursday, March 24 Scotland 0-1 Wales in Harlow Park, Inverurie Local Works FC, KO 7.30pm
Friday, April 1 England 2-1 Scotland in Highbury Stadium, Fleetwood Town FC, KO 7pm
Inspiresport Centenary Shield FIXTURES
Friday, April 8 England vs Republic of Ireland in Park Hall Stadium, The New Saints FC, Oswestry, KO 7.30pm
Thursday, April 14 Republic of Ireland vs Scotland in Celtic Park, Killarney Celtic FC, KO 7pm
Friday, April 15 Northern Ireland vs Wales in Comber FC, KO 4.30pm
Thursday, April 28 Wales vs Republic of Ireland in Llandudno, KO 7pm
END
