Harrogate veterans fall short for England in 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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Hide AdA 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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Hide AdAndy 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).