England C 1-1 Italy
The Blue Square Bet Premier's finest players dazzled in an exciting encounter with Italy in their Group A match of the International Challenge Trophy.
Fleetwood Town's Highbury Ground hosted its first international match in its 80 year history.
The non league international football match was enjoyed by a packed Highbury Stadium, who saw the best of the Blue Square Premier on display.
Italy took the lead in the 48th minute when Federico Anguilli's stylish chip looped over England and Tamworth Jonathan Hedge.
England C grabbed an equaliser in the final moments of the match when Luton Town's Adam Watkins lobbed keeper Alberto Brignoli on 93rd minute.
I went along to the match and captured all the action:
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Manager Paul Fairclough adopted a 4-4-2 starting formation for the England C side, but it was Italy who started brightly.
The away side dominated the opening 15 minutes with an early chance for Simone Corazza easily gathered by England Goalkeeper Jonathan Hedge.
It was an exciting and pacey tempo from both sides. England started to pressurise when Captain Danny Rose's 30 yard free kick drifted narrowly wide of the left hand post with no one to follow through with a finish.
Fabio Meduki hit the post from 20 yards out in the 16th minute for Italy but England counter attacked with Kenny Davis who sent his 20 yard shot narrowly over the crossbar.
Corazza continued to cause problems for England, but the sting out of Italy's attack disappeared when he was substituted for a possible injury.
England came close to scoring when Michael Coulson cut back and set up Danny Rose with a fantastic shot that was saved at close range by Italian Goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli.
England Captain and Fleetwood Town Midfielder Danny Rose had a fantastic first half and he reflected on the team's performance in my post-match interview.
England C v Italy: Danny Rose Interview by amyscarisbrick
Hyde's Scott Spencer also had a number of good chances and his best shot from 20 yards out was tipped over by keeper Brignoli.
After Italy took the lead just after the break, the momentum switched back to England. The second half was not as lively as the first but England had numerous chances and could have scored three or four.
Grimsby Town's Michael Coulson came alive and had a great chance on the 56th minute when he squared the ball from the right wing across the face of goal and Spencer couldn't quite reach to finish at the back post.
Coulson also shot narrowly wide of the right post with five minutes to go from Ashley Chambers' build up play.
The Best of Barrow
As Barrow reporter, it was clealry nice to see Adam Boyes represent the Bluebirds for England C. Barrow manager Dave Bayliss had praised Boyes but wanted Andy Cook to be picked for the England squad in an earlier interview.
The Barrow Striker came on for a 25 minute spell alongside York City's Ashley Chambers. Boyes best chance came in stoppage time when his driving shot was pushed wide by keeper Brignoli.
Boyes was delighted to play for his country and is looking forward to returning to the Barrow squad in my post-match interview:
England C v Italy: Adam Boyes Interview by amyscarisbrick
Watkins' equaliser was fully deserved as England dominated the match and perhaps will be disappointed to not get the three points.
Here are some moments from the match:
The players now return to their parent clubs for the rest of the Blue Square Bet Premier season and play Russia in the next round of the cup in June
The players now return to their parent clubs for the rest of the Blue Square Bet Premier season and play Russia in the next round of the cup in June
Thanks go to @nataliabradford and @robcbartlett who were a pleasure to work alongside in the press box in a memorable evening of football.
England C: Hedge Roberts Brown Turley Davis Oshodi Coulson Forbes Spencer Rose Blair
Subs Not Used: Edwards
Italy: Brignoli Meccariello D'orsi Meduki Masi Lamorte Bencivenga Faroni De-Sena Angiulli Corazza
Attendance: 4628
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