page revision date : 28th December 2008
Young Bluebirds play well for Wales
Three members of Haverfordwest County AFC’s talented squad received international recognition recently when Jack Christopher, Lee Idzi and Craig Hanford were chosen to represent Wales under 23 semi-professional squad against their counterparts from Finland.
Played under the floodlights at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli, Christopher started up front as a striker and Idzi was first-choice goalkeeper – whilst Hanford helped spark a second-half revival as he joined the fray in midfield and worked really hard alongside Michael Byrne in setting up several half chances.
Disappointing result
Sadly they came to nothing as Finland keeper Anssi Jaakkola made a couple of useful saves and Wales ended up losing by the only goal of a the game, which was played in front of a disappointing crowd but had a terrific support from Haverfordwest as a mini bus and several cars left the county town to cheer the local trio on.
Poor service for Jack
To be fair to Christopher, he lacked a good service in the first period as Finland showed superior midfield skills, but he covered back well and tried hard to make sure that the Finnish defence was kept busy on the occasions that Wales tried to make progress wide out and bring his heading ability into play.
Lee lets in only goal
Idzi dealt with everything comfortably for the first 44 minutes, including a couple of low shots, but was then beaten right on the interval as he was forced to parry a powerful drive from Tomi Petrescu before the rebound fell to Timo Furuholm for the visiting striker to react quickly and fire his shot home.
Idzi was eventually replaced after 70 minutes, his place taken by Chris Maxwell (Wrexham) but Christopher stayed for the full 90 minutes and had a couple of half chances but was unable to find the target.
Craig catches the eye
Hanford came on for Neil Taylor (Wrexham) with 20 minutes remaining and in that time there were half chances for Craig Moses (Newtown) and Christopher as Hanford and Byrne caught the eye with their thrusts up the right flank as Byrne also hit the top of the crossbar with a delicate chip which had Finnish keeper Jaakkola scrambling back to cover.
Great support
There was great support for all three because as well as families there was a large contingent from the Bridge Meadow which included manager Derek Brazil and chairman Bob Summons - but Wales were unable to level matters and so Finland maintained their winning run – but although disappointed by defeat the three Haverfordwest County players had some consolation when they received their Welsh caps in a post-match presentation.
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