I watched Wales (Cymru) C v their England counterparts this evening at Stebonheath, Llanelli. Essentially, it was the best of the Cymru Premier v English National League at non-league level (I’d say semi-pro but, in fact, all the English squad are full professionals).
Cymru won 1-0 from a free kick on half-time by Caernarfon’s Sion Bradley. There was a satisfying Welsh drizzle throughout the match.
Not huge quality on display, in all truth. Cymru were very dogged and soaked up late pressure to get over the line. Big win, given the evident gulf between the leagues. And it was only £8 admission.
I don’t believe any of the Cymru players would be of massive interest to us and reckon the only English players worthy of playing league football are those with teams that’ll get promoted this season. The English side was chosen on a strange basis of only one player per NL club – very inclusive but not exactly giving the coach the opportunity of selecting the very strongest XI.
Players of ex Swans interest were full back Mael Davies (Penybont), sub keeper Alex Lang (Cardiff Met) and sub midfielder Tom Price (also Met). Chesterfield withdrew another former Swan Jamie Grimes from the England side at the 11th hour to allow him to assist Chesterfield’s National League aspirations this week.
TNS also pulled all their selected players ahead of their inter league final on Sunday with Airdrie.
The Welsh senior team was present to watch.
An impressive result for the Cymru side.
Feature Image Credit: Lewis Mitchell/FAW