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It was a weekend of two halves when the England Over-55s side visited the Region of Murcia for an away tour
The England Veterans’ Football Club had a mixed bag this weekend in their Spain tour, with one emphatic win and one devastating loss in their matches against two Spanish teams in Murcia.
England vs Club Deportivo
The first game was an absolute goal-fest at La Manga Club Resort as the England Veterans’ Over-55s won their first tour game 8-3 against Club Deportivo on Friday February 3.England scored early on thanks to player/manager Andy Cranch, and Andy Gombas quickly added a second. Deportivo created a few half chances but England went further ahead when a deep cross from lively Adie Harris evaded the keeper and nestled in the net. 3-0 to England at half time.
In the second half, England increased their lead to five with goals from Dave Gipp and Martin Thorpe before Deportivo deservedly pulled one back after sloppy defending. Gipp added two more before Deportivo again took advantage of a misplaced pass and added a second to make it 7-2. Thorpe rounded the keeper to add England’s eighth before Deportivo scored again from the penalty spot.
England were the far better side but they gave possession away too easily at times, creating their own problems.
The team sent their thanks to the match officials and to the organisers for use of the excellent grass pitch and floodlights at La Manga Club, and enjoyed their competitive game and a very enjoyable evening.
England vs FC Cartagena
In contrast, it was a 7-1 defeat for the England Veterans’ Over-55s in their second tour match in Spain. They played against a “ridiculously young” side from FC Cartagena at Estadio Cartagonova on Sunday February 5.
Cartagena took the lead after about 10 minutes and added a second before half time. England hit the post twice and screwed one wide from close range, so were unlucky not to have at least pulled one back. The home side were not only young but also decent players so it was likely that England would tire sooner.
England made several changes at half time so needed time to settle but Cartagena scored twice more soon after the restart with long passes over the top. England continued to battle and threatened on occasion but Cartagena scored three more from long balls and then out running the defence. England scored a consolation penalty when Dave Gipp was fouled and guest player Juan Manuel Contreras Moreno scored from the spot.
It was a frustrating game for the visitors given the age difference and it’s unlikely the opposition got much from the game, but they once again sent a thank you to the organisers and the referee (who had a particularly nice yellow shirt) and thank you to FC Cartagena for their hospitality.
They said they hope everyone enjoyed the tour and wished everybody a safe journey home.
