Preview: Historic night sees Wales C collide with England C at Jenner Park
The old enemy will meet at Jenner Park as Wales C host England C in an historic first match in the Vale of Glamorgan.
It will be the first time the two international teams will meet each other at a semi-professional level, and it will be Wales’ first match since they lost 5-0 at home to Turkey A2 in October 2012.
Fast forward six years and the Red Dragons will now face England C in what could be a thrilling clash in South Wales.
The hosts have named a strong side and have included four Barry Town United players in their squad. However, the Linnets’ top scorer, Kayne McLaggon, has been ruled out through injury.
However, goalkeeper Mike Lewis is expected to start following an impressive season so far in the Barry Town United goal. Full-back Chris Hugh has also been included in the side ahead of this evening’s game.
Barry Playmaker Jordan Cotterill could play a key part this evening, and his creative spark could cause the England backline all kinds of problems.
Student side Cardiff Met also have two representatives in tonight’s game. Playmaker Elliot Evans and striker Adam Roscrow have been in sublime form for the Archers this season, and both could play a part in tonight’s proceedings.
Wales C have recently appointed a new manager in Mark Jones and he will be hoping to make an instantaneous impact. He will work alongside assistant manager, and former Wales international Owain Tudor-Jones.
Jones has named an all Welsh Premier League side for tonight’s game, and has previously had managerial roles at both Carmarthen Town and Port Talbot Town, and has a strong CV, leading them to qualification into Europe during his time there.
The England C team, on the other hand, is made up of players from the National League tier down. They’re currently being managed by former Wealdstone player Paul Fairclough, who has been the manager since 2003.
The Three Lions play on a more consistent basis than Wales, though. Their last encounter was played in November last year, when they were defeated 4-0 in the international challenge trophy.
Boreham Wood striker Morgan Ferrier could be the biggest threat to the Wales backline. The 23 year-old has 10 goals for the London-based outfit this season. His pace and tenacity could also come in handy for the Three Lions at Jenner Park this evening.
If he can maintain his league form, then he could be a big danger to the Wales backline. If tonight’s game is a success, it could happen again sometime in the future – especially with a large crowd expected in Barry for tonight’s unique occasion.
