The England Seniors playing to build experience in Tourcoing got off to a great start with a 4-2 win over their hosts in their first match of the tournament this evening.
“Tourcoing play in the top division of the French national league and the team did really well considering they literally stepped out of the van, having just arrived from England, straight into a match” said Coach Carlos Amaral.
England did well to win each of the two halves of the match 2-1, with goalkeepers Ian Smith and David Beeson having playing each half respectively in what proved to be a tough encounter.
England veteran Joe Wheatly opened the scoring putting his side up 1-0 early in the first half and Darrell Pearce, who is emerging as a strong leader in the team, scored to allow England to go to the break 2-1 up in a fiercely contested match between two good sides.
Soon after the return from the break the home club scored to level the match and it took Mark Waddingham to break the deadlock to put a tiring England up 3-2.
“The last phase of play was very tight” said Carlos, “and the players showed great maturity by maintaining the possession of the ball which lead to our final goal from Neil Austin to win the match 4-2”.
“We didn’t go behind once in the match and I am very pleased with the effort the players are putting in!” Carlos told PRH.
England has done well and gotten off to the best possible start in this tournament and their supporters wish them the very best of continued success!
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Reporter: Kos Galtos
