Town duo start but England are denied

LUTON Town duo Matthew Barnes-Homer and Jake Howells both completed 90 minutes as England C were held to a 2-2 draw by Wales U23s in a friendly at Newtown FC on Tuesday night.

Paul Fairclough’s men had taken the lead after just two minutes, when Crawley Town’s Kyle McFadzean, who was also named captain, scored with a delightful volley from the edge of the box.

Although the Welsh side battled back well in the first period, they went 2-0 behind on the stroke of half time when Tamworth’s Alex Rodman’s deflected drive left goalkeeper Steve Cann with no chance.

Both sides made changes after the interval, and it looked like England had done enough to secure victory, only for Craig Moses to pull one back on 83 minutes after AFC Wimbledon keeper Seb Brown parried Scott Barrow’s shot into his path.

The comeback was completed with just three minutes remaining, as good work by Moses allowed Lee Surman to volley into the net from close range.

There was still time for Jack Christopher and Marc Williams to almost win it for Wales, but England survived as honours finished even.

England: Dale Roberts (Seb Brown 46), Sam Hatton, Greg Taylor, Aden Flint (Brian Saah 46), Steven Gregory (Ben Wright 46), Kyle McFazean, Charlie Henry, Max Porter, Matthew Barnes-Homer, Jake Howells, Alex Rodman (Danny Rose 46).