While
'Tiger' Woods was being proved human at Muirfield in the golf open , Manchester
City under 21 team won City's first trophy of the season beating a Thai International
under 21 side by two goals to one in the final of the Manchester International
Football Festival. The game was played at Witton Albion, a compact ground in the
heart of Cheshire.
City
(u21) 2 Thailand (u21) 1
20th July 2002
Witton Albion FC
City
put out a strong side with several experienced players. Shuker and Dunfield played
from the start as did newcomers Ellegaard Loran and Bischoff . Chris Killen just
back from New Zealand was on the bench.
Skipper
for the day was Rhys Day and both teams were introduced to dignitaries before
the game. A bit like a world cup game without the national anthems!
However
the announcer made several mistakes during the game - the first one saying it
was Manchester United instead of City !
City
took the lead following a clever corner on the left. With Ciaran Kilmeeney scoring
from close range. It looked to be a well rehearsed move. Shades of Benarbia!
The
game was televised live to Thailand with umpteen million viewers watching every
move..One of the stands was taken up with the location crew.
City
kept up pressure on the Thai goal but could not add to their score. There was
perhaps an air of predictability about City's attacks.
A
hard working Shuker and Sonesak fight it out on the touchline
Before
half time a quick break down the left ended with Saycmpoc scoring an equalizer
An
enthusiastic group of Thai supporters gave vent to their feelings.
No
not a Stuart Pearce coaching class but an exhibition of Thai Sword fighting at
half time.
The
Thai supporters were silenced in the second half when a long range free kick was
well taken by Terry Dunfield, here being congratulated by team mates. 2-1 for
City
Below
left Chris Killen takes on a defender.
A
youngster rings Kevin Keegan with the good news about the result!
