Wales C tame England’s Three Lions as Sion Bradley makes Dragons roar
Llanelli, Wales - 19th March 2024: Sion Bradley of Cymru celebrates scoring his sides first goal from a free kick. Cymru v England C in an International Friendly at Stebonheath Park on the 19th March 2024. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Wales C claimed a narrow 1-0 win over their England C counterparts at Llanelli Town’s Stebonheath Park.
Sion Bradley’s first-half stoppage time was the only goal of the game in a cagey affair. Both sides had chances in the first half and then in Wales defended resolutely to hold on to their lead.
The hosts started on the front foot and forced goalkeeper Elliot Justham in to work. Clayton Green worked the ball in to the box and Ryan Sears headed the ball into the ground.
Green, captaining the team for the first time supplied another cross to the man he replaced Emlyn Lewis and the Cardiff Met man like Sears was denied by the goalkeeper.
England threatened down the flanks with Reece Smith causing problems. He crossed in to find Paul McCallum and the Eastleigh man saw Lee Jenkins block his effort on the line. A few moments later Gus Scott-Morris saw a header sail just over the bar.
In a damp night in West Wales, Sion Bradley got their fans off their feet when he went on a mazy run, dribbling past his men before swiping a shot at Justham.
The half looked like faltering out until England players were incensed by a tough tackle from Clayton Green. He got the ball but also the man when tackling Ed Francis and was cautioned.
A moment of brilliance would be needed to break the deadlock and Wales did just did that. Bradley was fouled by England captain Chris Bush and Bradley stepped forward to drive his free-kick past a flatfooted Justham.
England came out for the second-half with more of the possession but it wasn’t translating in to chances for a while. Wales players stuck to their high press with Bradley and Davies hoping for mistakes from England’s back line.
It would be Wales who would create the first meaningful chance of the second period. Goalscorer Bradley raced through but took the ball too far wide to allow Justham to save at his near post.
In the final quarter, England finally threatened. Ollie Pearce cut in from the flank and saw his effort pushed over the bar by Absalom. A few moments later, Ed Francis had a low driven shot that was dealt with.
A crucial moment in stoppage time saw Kelland Absalom ensure victory for his side. Scott-Morris lofted in a cross and substitute Ollie Pearce saw his scissor kick shot palmed away by the Bala Town goalkeeper. England tried to threaten from a series of corner kicks but Wales stood firm and held on for the win.
Wales C
Kelland Absalom, Kane Owen, Mael Davies, Lee Jenkins, Emlyn Lewis, Ryan Sears, Danny Gosset, Clayton Green (C) (Ryan Harrington, 85), Jordan Davies (Ben Ahmum, 90), Sion Bradley and Josh Williams (Noah Edwards, 61)
Goals: Sion Bradley 45+3’
Yellow Cards: Clayton Green 44, Danny Gosset 89’
England C
Elliot Justham (Wyll Stanway, 82), Gus Scott-Morris, Ollie Harfield, Ed Francis, Chris Bush (C) (Luke Jenkins, 82), Myles Kenlock, Callum Stead (Ollie Pearce, 66), Callum Maycock (Emmanuel Diseruvwe, 61), Paul McCallum, Tom Conlon (Dan Pybus, 46), Reece Smith.
Yellow Cards: Chris Bush 38, Callum Stead 62’
