International Challenge Match 2007

Football Aid Championships, Saturday June 2nd, Hampden Park

Scotland 1 – Rest of the World 4

The afternoon event at Hampden could have been billed as the Battle of Britain seeing Scotland take on a distinctly English ‘Rest of the World’ squad. As such, it was always going to be a keenly contested affair with Trevor Steven’s side romping home to a 4-1 victory much to the dismay of the Home crowd.

Strangely enough, it was Paul Lambert’s team that enjoyed a great deal of the possession but ‘Rest of the World’ scoring the majority of goals. Football Aid regular, David Dishon continued his International goal scoring exploits with a double and Nick Enright enjoyed the performance of his life, denying the battling Scots time after time with his acrobatic and determined saves.

Dishon opened the scoring, in a post match interview describing it as a goal of the season contender, with a left foot rasper blasting into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Thorpe doubled their lead immediately after, pouncing on a rebound to leave the Scots firmly on the back foot after only 10 minutes of play.

The next 20 minutes were a relatively quiet affair, Steven’s side seemingly satisfied with their haul and the Scots failing to find that telling final ball.

Just after the half hour mark, Dishon struck again, easily taking on keeper Williamson in what could have been a daunting one on one before sliding the ball home to make it 0-3.

The Scottish fighting spirit spurred Lambert’s men on, pulling one back 5 minutes before half time following some sensational play from Balon. The dogged defender did well to beat the offside trap before squaring to Ferrie who was perfectly placed to finish the move. The score going into the break 1-3.

The second half was a lively affair but a frustrating one for the Scottish fans. Enright earning his ‘man of the match’ award with some marvelous saves to deny the Home side of glory while substitute Spencer killed off any thoughts of a dramatic comeback with his strike in the 73rd minute.

In true Scottish style, Lambert’s men battled till the dying end, the crowd groaning with disappointment as Harrild’s attempt skimmed the post and Campbell’s penalty attempt was expertly saved by the ever vigilant Enright.

The final score 1-4.

Man of the Match: Anthony Campbell (H) Nick Enright (A)

Moment of the Match: Referee Richard Patterrson delighting the Scottish fans for not awarding a penalty to the Rest of the World team and later booking Barry Maclure for protesting against the decision!

Home Team: G. Williamson, P. Lambert, H. Balon, T. Vivian, J. Nicolson, A. Harrild, G. Gillespie, C. Ferrie, C. Campbell, W. Wallace, P. Saville, A. Campbell, B. Campbell, J. Campbell, B. McManus

Mascot: Kieran Balon

Away Team: N. Enright, W. Green, T. Steven, R. Hancock, R. Thorpe, G.T homas, A. Alcock, B. Maclure, D. Dishon, D. Thorpe, K. Stott, C. Turner, C. Davidson, P. Spencer

Mascot: James Thorpe