Willoughby Stars As England Entertain Against Dragons
Paul Fairclough said his England C side were a joy to watch as they were held by Wales C at Salford City on Tuesday night.
The hosts were pegged back twice by a stubborn Welsh side having fist led through a Nathan Peate own goal and then again through a sublime Kurt Willoughby free-kick.
The FC United of Manchester man was one of three National League North players on show with Ed Williams and Luke Trotman also on the field for the Three Lions.
England took the lead after Nathan Peate deflected in Trotman's driven low cross before Kayne McLaggon levelled for the away side.
Willoughby gave just over 700 fans something to remember with his free-kick from range to restore the hosts' lead.
Substitute Adam Roscow made it 2-2, hammering home past Ben Killip to set-up a nervy finish for Fairclough's men.
Greg Olley almost stole it late on but his effort cannoned back off the post.
"I’m not unhappy about a draw," boss Fairclough told Salford City's video service.
"You’ve got a group of young lions against a group of really experienced Welsh players.
"I love watching the young players shift the ball about. There are players out there that brought people to the edge of the seats.
"Some of those lads have not played for England before and they’re just a good, all round group of boys."
PHOTO BY JUDIE TINGLE PHOTOGRAPHY
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