Wales’ C players rated as Barry boy Chris Hugh sparkles in first meeting with old enemy England at semi-professional level
Wales C showed fight and character as they narrowly lost to England at Jenner Park on Tuesday evening, but what were the key elements learned from the game?
Fejiri Okenababirhie scored a stunning hat-trick as the Dagenham & Redbridge striker stole the headlines in Barry, but the Red Dragons can be proud of their efforts as they came close to securing a famous draw in front of a packed out Jenner Park.
Chris Hugh was the star of the show, but who else stood out for Wales C? Find out below…
FULL TIME: Wales C 2-3 England C
A hat-trick from Fejiri Okenababirhie is just enough to give the Three Lions a narrow victory at Jenner Park!#WALvENGhttps://t.co/bbGi2b0Tyx
— Y Clwb Pêl-droed (@YClwbPelDroed) 20 March 2018
Ashley Morris 7
Could do little with Fejri Okenababirhie’s first-half goal, which was stroked delightfully into the top right-hand corner. Looked comfortable for the majority of the first-half, and was the much busier of the two goalkeepers.
Conceded a further two goals to Okenababirhie, who was a joy to watch as the Dagenham & Redridge striker scored a sublime hat-trick for the Three Lions.
Kai Edwards – 6
He had little to do in a quiet first-half, with most of the England attacks coming on Chris Hugh’s side. Tried to help out in attack when he could and switched play, where there was more space on the right-hand side.
Chris Hugh (STAR MAN) – 8
Wales’ biggest threat in an attacking sense. Aplombed forward when he could with real intent, and his glorious ball in the first-half caused England big problems in the penalty area, only to see Aeron Edwards effort saved at point-blank range from Grant Smith.
Provided a stunning assist to get Wales back in the game following a wonderful cross, which saw Mark Jones turn his man and fire home past Smith – an incredible talent and is in the mix to become Welsh Premier League player of the season. An exhilirating performance from the full-back.
Connell Rawlinson (C) – 6
Not the best performance from tonight’s captain. He will have better displays and struggled against the duo of Mitchell Pinnock and Ryan Croasdale in the middle of the park.
Danny Gossett – 6
Tried to get busy in the middle of the park, but guilty on occasions of giving the ball away too softly. Was never going to be easy against some colossal three Lions, who controlled the midfield battle throughout at Jenner Park.
Elliot Evans – 7
A tremendous talent. Roscrow showed why he has such a big impact for Cardiff Met in the Welsh Premier League this season. Pulled the strings in midfield and tried to combine with Adam Roscrow as much as he could, but on occasions, his final ball lacked conviction.
Aeron Edwards – 7
Lacked that spark he normally has. But was unlucky not to give the hosts the lead as he saw his first-half strike superbly denied by Smith.
He is a superb talent, however, this wasn’t his best performance and he will no doubt have better ones as The New Saints aim for another Welsh Premier League title come the end of the season.
Adam Roscrow – 7
Disappointing, but lacked any sort of service and was unlucky with a first-half attempt as he saw his effort fade just wide of Smith’s goals. He is a massive presence in attack and will no doubt play a key part between now and the end of the season for Cardiff Met in the Welsh Premier League.
Chris Venables – 7
Took his second-half goal superbly, reacting instinctively. Worked hard throughout, chasing down at every given opportunity and was spoken of highly by Mark Jones following a tremendous shift from the Bala Town centre-forward.
John Owen – 7
The Aberyswyth man struggled to make any sort of impact, and was therefore withdrawn soon after the break. Mark Jones made an instantaneous impact, turning smartly to fire home past Grant Smith in the Three Lions goals.
(Featured image: Will Cheshire)
