Courtesy: The FA.com


Three Lions roar
Friday, 03 July, 2009

Blind Squad into Euro Final while CP Squad beat Ireland in Home Nations.

A very successful day for England's Elite disability teams saw the Blind Squad and the Cerebral Palsy Squad register notable victories.

Tony Larkin's Blind Squad beat Spain 3-2 in Nantes to reach another IBSA European Championship Final, which will be held at 3.30pm on Saturday. A brace from skipper, Dave Clarke and Keryn Seal strike was enough to knock out the holders.

Speaking after the game, Head Coach Tony Larkin said:"I am very proud of our performance as we have beaten the current European Champions. Spain are a really good side, so I'm absolutely delighted."

The England Cerebral Palsy Squad were also in action and were victors in the opening game of the Home Nations Championship, beating Republic of Ireland 3-1.

Ireland started brightly and created a couple of early chances which were well blocked by Jordan Raynes in the England goal.

England struck first through Matt Dimbylow after a Michael Wilson free-kick rebounded off the bar. Michael Barker chip the ball back into the box allowing Dimbylow to head home. England doubled their lead when, after a deep corner, Dimbylow headed across the Irish goal for Karl Townshend to finish with a point blank header.

The second half was extremely open with both sides creating many chances. Ireland pulled one back after England failed to clear their lines. However, the game was put beyond Ireland after Michael Barker controlled the ball 35 metres from goal and, after noticing the 'keeper was slightly off this line hit a rasping shot into the top right hand corner.

Head Coach Lyndon Lynch told TheFA.com: "I am very pleased with the result. We didn't play at our very best but did try to keep the ball and play quickly on the counter attack.

"The Irish are ranked above us and this win makes it six wins from our last six games. We play Scotland on Sunday and they are a very good team, as were the Republic, but hope we can keep the run going."

The England Development Squad beat Scotland 2-1 after two goals from Michael Connolly.






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com