Harrogate veterans fall short for England in Seniors World Cup

The team of Harrogate Veterans failed to retain the Seniors World Cup during their adventure representing England in Thailand.
Harrogate veterans at the Seniors World CupHarrogate veterans at the Seniors World Cup
Harrogate veterans at the Seniors World Cup

However, Paul Bell’s squad returned to England with a bronze medal after finishing third with a 4-1 victory over Australia in the third place play-off.

With a squad containing 10 ex-professionals, the Harrogate squad had high hopes of another successful campaign and quickly ensured a semi -final by winning their opening two group games.

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A Simon Deakin goal saw off a determined New Zealand side 1-0, although the Veterans were later to rue not adding to the score-line from a dozen second half chances.

The following night, a wonderful individual goal by ex- Fulham striker Barry Hayles, put the English on their way to a 4-1 victory over Taiwan.

Two goals from Jason Price and one from Jamie Clarke rounded off the win.

The final group game saw Harrogate draw 1-1 against a strong Iran side containing several ex-internationals,.

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Andy Warrington saved an early penalty, before Clarke put England in the lead from the spot.

Iran equalised to deny the Veterans top spot in the group by a superior goal difference of just one.

However, an injury to Price put him out of the remainder of the tournament and a yellow card to Clarke also ruled him out of the semi final.

England endured a night of frustration in the last four clash, striking both bar and post in a 1-0 defeat to Thailand.

The English were left reflecting on the fine lines between success and failure as they beat Australia 4-1 to secure third with goals from Clarke, Alan Clayton, and Deakin (2).