Cardiff and Barry footballers set for historic match with England

PLAYERS from the Welsh Prem and English non-league will face each-other in a friendly at Jenner Park in Barry later this month.
England have competed at this level since 1979, allowing the best players outside the Football League to represent their country.
Last November, they played in the International Challenge Trophy Final, losing 4-0 to Slovakia’s Under-23s. The tournament is open to national teams featuring semi-professionals who have not won senior caps.
For Wales, the fixture on March 20th will be their first venture at this level, allowing the very best the JD Welsh Premier League has to offer to showcase their talents.
Matthew Close from the FAW told The Cardiffian: “We’re delighted to be hosting this C international against England.
“It’s going to be a historic occasion, our first meeting at C International level, which will showcase the best homegrown players playing their domestic football in Wales against their English counterparts.”
Manager Mark Jones has named a strong side full of Welsh Premier League experience, and we’re hoping that the squad will be well supported by Welsh football fans.”
The squad was announced last week and includes players from Cardiff Met and Barry Town United.
Forwards Adam Roscrow and Eliot Evans make up the Met contingent. The pair have been on impressive goal-scoring form this season, notching 21 goals between them.
Cardiff Met said they are immensely proud of the pair: “The opportunity to represent your country has to be earned and it’s a testament to their hard work that they have been selected.
“They are two important figures in the Met set up and we look forward to supporting them at Jenner Park later this month.”
Roscrow, who has hit fine goal-scoring form this season, said he feels privileged to have been selected in the squad but was keen to praise his colleagues for getting him into the side.
“A lot of credit needs to go to the players and coaches at Cardiff Met,” he said, “the high standards they demand in training and games has helped us to progress as a group and individually.”
Barry boast four representatives in the squad, each hoping to get the chance to represent their country at their home ground.
Chris Hugh is no stranger to wearing the red of Wales, having represented his country in Futsal alongside Cefn Druids defender, Naim Arsan.
League stalwart, Mike Lewis will be hoping to start between the sticks while up at the other end of the pitch, Kayne McLaggon will be hoping his season of terrorising WPL defences has earned him a start.
Jordan Cotterill has impressed in midfield this season, as his Barry side push for a place in the UEFA Europa League play-offs.