England 2 Australia 0
Wilson (4)
Fox (30+2)
Playing 5 games in 6 days England showed their fitness and endurance, scoring 27 goals and not conceding any against. The three lions started briskly and created a number of opportunities in the first couple of minutes which resulted in the opening goal being scored by Michael Wilson, who from a free kick hammered home from 18 yards through the Aussie defence and Larkings in goal. From such a positive start England only grew in confidence but the Australians defended resolutely and blocked many of the efforts on goal. That was until the 2 minute of time added on for the first half when Richard Fox received a through ball from Michael Barker, an Everton Ability Counts player, to finish with a well struck shot into the bottom left hand corner.
The second half was not as eventful as the first as the weather conditions began to take their toll. Playing in 35c heat affected the Australian more than the English players with Matt Ellis and Michael Barker at the heart of every England attack. In fact it wasn’t until the 54th minute that the Aussies had their first shot on goal. As the three lions played the time out the final whistle brought jubilant scenes from the players and staff alike.
Speaking to TheFA.com Head Coach Lyndon Lynch commented “I am immensely proud of the achievements of this group of players who have once again demonstrated the depth of talent in English disability football. Each squad member made an important contribution to winning this trophy, which acts as a stepping stone to what we hope will be a successful European and World championship campaign. I must highlight the significant contribution of all the staff that is a vital element of any winning team”.
Jeff Davis, The FA National Development Manager for disability football, and coach with the team, enthused “This team demonstrates a key goal of the FA strategy of winning England teams. I am delighted that Lyndon was able to give five new caps and is a vindication that the talent identification programme is working. I would like to thank all the players and staff and for those involved with the development of disability football at a local level and in the England CP development squad. This only a start but I am really looking forward to future championships”.
Also, congratulations to Niall Fitzsimmons and Joel Taylor, both members of the Liverpool FA Disability Centre of Excellence Under 17s Squad who recently were selected and attended England Camps for the Cerebral Palsy Youth Squad.
Congratulations to all involved especially Michael, Niall and Joel from all here at Liverpool FA