AWAY SUPPORTERS The game started well in the second half when a particularly


angry Scottish bloke came over in front of all the England fans and shouted some obscenities ahead of the game, Lovely! Mike’s long throws caused all sorts of trouble in the second


half, and England should have scored from one. At the back Mike played well along side some other competent defenders including Chris Lacey from Kidderminster. England missed another sitter, but then the same player (Simon Newey, Barnsley) nabbed the winner after being put clear of the back line.


STFC ASFC 2010/2011


Welcome back for the first cup game of the season. This week it’s the summer tale of the first STFC ASFC player to play for England, Mike Price. Each season the IFA (the league we play in) hold an annual tournament at Leeds, Worldnet. We once entered this, but the less said about that the better! At the Worldnet weekend, several show piece games are held, the IFA cup final, the world net finals, and the England IFA team vs the Scotland IFA team. The team selection takes on a serious edge, Alan Cooper, England Manager this year (and also manager of the Barnsley supporters team) selected three reps from the Midlands, Southern and Northern Regions. These reps collected the names, positions and descriptions, of the best players in that region and then the England manager whittled this down to a squad of 16. Mike Price was selected at right back. Dave Evison was also selected as one of the strikers, but had to pull out at the last minute. So on July 23rd, I travelled up with Mike to watch the game and take some photos. The following is a brief report. A strong crowd of around 200 watched the game, with the Scot’s fans all on one side chanting and singing “Flower of Scotland”, and the English on the other side not doing anything. Kidderminster fans did try to get “God save the Queen” going, until it was pointed out that the Scots sing that as well.


Mike started right back and was solid, got his early shank out


of the way after being given a hospital pass after 5 minutes. He was then involved in the first England goal, getting forward well and passing it on for the right winger who then played in the West Brom Striker, Chris Hunter, who slotted home. He then scuffed one off the line to keep it 1-0, but could do nothing as England let in a soft headed goal at the back post from a corner. To be fair the lad in goal was the Kidderminster keeper, not originally part of the England team, the keeper from Peterborough had got stuck in traffic, and the Kiddy keeper had been retrieved from the bar, pint in hand! Half time it was 1-1 and the missing keeper arrived and came on and was great in the second half, making one great save at 1-1 to keep it level.


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England saw it out, and celebrated. Sadly we had to hot foot it back to Shropshire, but England were presented with the trophy at about 8 o’clock to many boos from the by now drunk Scots! Post Match Alan Cooper England Manager was quoted: "I was really pleased with our performance today, especially given all the upheaval we had before kick off when we had to find someone to go in goal with James (Mortlock of Peterborough) stuck in traffic. I think we thoroughly deserved to win the game, we were the only team really trying to play football. Both goals were superbly taken and other than the goal we conceded I felt we defended really well. "I was very pleased with Mike (Price), I thought he was very solid and importantly for a full back he got forward well too. It was clear to see why Shrewsbury put him forward. Hopefully he and the other lads who played will inspire their club teammates to have great seasons next year in order to try and emulate the likes of Mike." Mike Price was also quoted: “After the disappointment of the


World Cup I was honoured to be called up to represent Shrewsbury Town and my country to try and win some pride back for English football fans. It’s as close as I’ll ever get to playing a proper international and the crowd of about 300 Scottish and English fans all chanting and singing gave the match a real sense of occasion. I imagine it’ll be the only game I’ll ever play in where people actually chant my name!


The game itself was fiercely competitive, with the Scottish and English players both giving their all to get a result. Although they ran us close, I’d say in the end we were the better side and it felt great good to come away with a well earned win. All the English and Scottish lads did themselves proud and I’ll


be trying my best for the Shrewsbury Away Supporters this season to be in contention for selection again next year.” All in all something to be proud of for the STFC ASFC, and hopefully next season we can send another one or two representatives to the game, and continue our international record.


If you are interested in playing for the Shrewsbury Away Supporters Team or would like more information then send an e-mail to Andrew Davies at adavies100@googlemail.com.


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