English Schools' Football Association

Hippolyte-Patrick keeps possession

Played at AFC Wulfrunians 6th May 2013

After a disappointing season as far as results go the England side hoped to go out on a high with this friendly against New Zealand but sadly were made to struggle for a draw against a well drilled and competitive New Zealand outfit. Maybe the beautiful summer weather had put the England boys in holiday mode and they had lost their competitive edge giving the ball away all too often in the early exchanges. Ross Bailey was returned to midfield playing alongside Connor McCormack who had proved the number one defender this season, but this pairing found it challenging to be creative and was kept under constant pressure by the very capable New Zealand midfield of Ben Thomas and Daniel Bowkett, both excellent prospects for professional football somewhere in the world.

After 17 minutes, however, a visionary through ball from McCormack sent Jack Odam away but his fierce shot from the right was well saved by goalkeeper Cameron Hogg, the first evidence of his strength, size and agility which was to be a thorn in England’s side all afternoon. Ryan Fergany got into the action two minutes later but his vicious right footer skimmed the bar. The next ten minutes dissolved into a comedy of errors with neither side wanting to keep the ball for more than two passes, until Thomas decided for New Zealand that something had to change. He burst down the right and won a corner, the result a scramble and another corner, then again until the third corner, a delightful strike, was finally booted up field to safety. Gaining confidence Jared Gibbs joined Thomas and Bowkett in a lovely three man triangle down the right which sent Thomas free but he was foiled by a last ditch and perfectly timed Gani Nuredini tackle.

Nearing half time Luke Donaldson was replaced by Nick Haughton adding a bit of craft and pace to the England attack. Haughton’s perseverance in the challenge caused a rebound to fall for Odam who sped towards goal, round the keeper but then lofted his shot over the open goal when he ought to have scored. In the dying minutes of the half England came to life but Haughton’s snap shot from 20 yards was saved by Hogg diving to his left. From the corner he repeated his save from Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick and then from the final corner of the half McCormack headed firmly but just over the bar.

The fit again Mikey Pearce came into goal at half time and was quickly called to action by a Bowkett bullet from 30 yards out. Not to be outdone Haughton had a 30 yarder at the other end just fly over the crossbar, at least the game seemed to be livening up, but sadly it wasn’t England who benefited. In the 57^th minute sloppy play in midfield awarded the ball to Bowkett who fed an inch perfect pass through to centre forward Judd Baker who strode majestically into the box and finished powerfully hitting the ball first time into the bottom left corner from 15 yards out. 0-1.

Kieran Morris

England realized at this point that they might have a fight on their hands and probably for the first time in the game strung 4 passes together and a corner was won by Fergany but Haughton’s shot from it was straight at the ‘keeper. Duka Ombeni came on after 52 minutes and immediately brightened up the afternoon with his pace over ten yards worrying the visitors who had to resort to stopping him in any way they could. Duka was able to bring Shaquille much more into the game and England at last looked more threatening. A perfect through pass from Robert Gilroy was met by Shaquille on the right at pace and his cross went to Michael Smith but the shot that followed hit a centre back and went out for yet another corner. Despite strenuous efforts it took until the 84^th minute for England to finally break the deadlock. Haughton spotted Rhys Turner high up the field and from the half way line found him with a super through ball – Turner’s pace took him past a central defender and round the advancing ‘keeper and he slotted comfortably into the empty net. 1-1.

Shaquille and Duka both had half chances as time faded, but it was New Zealand’s Bowkett and then Baker who could have won the game. In the end it was a fair result for two tired sides.

This match was the end of a long tour for New Zealand and by the time this report reaches the ESFA website they will be home. ESFA chairman, Neil Pont, paid tribute to Tony Ambrose the leader of the tourist party who is retiring from teaching, his school was wiped out in the Christchurch earthquake, and from running the New Zealand SFA tours. He has arranged 6 tours over the last 12 years and has been a fantastic ambassador for schools soccer in New Zealand.

For the second year in succession we have held a game against southern hemisphere opposition at AFC Wulfrunians and they have provided a splendid pitch and been superb hosts each time.

After the match the England squad were presented with their caps by the ESFA chairman at a luncheon at the nearby Manor Hotel. A lovely occasion where players, team management, selectors and ESFA officers were joined by parents and families.

Match DVD and photos can be purchased via RWT Photography.