Wednesday 16 February 2011 at MK Dons
As a result of the highly successful match between the RAF Senior Representative Team (SRT) and the Irish Defence Force (IDF) in 2010 in Ireland, the RAF were keen to play host for a return fixture. The main emphasis of the game was to give the RAF SRT a fixture against a highly competitive opponent to prepare them for the challenging fixtures that they would soon be facing in the forthcoming Inter-Services. Another aim of the event, according to the SRT General Manager Flt Lt Kev Thom, was to instil in the players a sense of professionalism that would transcend into their attitude on the pitch. To achieve this, the fixture was played at the impressive Milton Keynes Stadium, the home of MK Dons.
After the playing of the national anthems to mark the inter-national status of the occasion, the first half began at a keen pace. Both teams were quick to the ball and eager to close each other down. As a result, the teams struggled to find their rhythm with the only chances on goal coming from ranged efforts that failed to trouble the keepers on either side. As the half wore on, the IDF began to gain the better of the possession with some skilful interplay through the midfield. However, the Irish failed to use this possession to any great effect and it was the RAF who had the better of the chances, most of which came from set pieces. The best chance of the half came to Cpl Henley (JSU Corsham) who found space inside the IDF box but put the ball just over the bar. As the referee blew for half time, the frustration of both teams was evident and everyone was eager to see the second half get underway.
After 10 minutes, the spectators were not disappointed, as Cpl Steve Norton, a Fire Fighter from RAF Waddington, scored an outstanding overhead kick that was almost an instant replay of Wayne Rooney’s goal against Manchester City. Speaking after the game, Steve said that ‘it took a few moments to sink in what I had just done’ and that his only regret was that it ‘wasn’t a sell-out crowd within the MK Stadium’. The goal proved to be the impetus that the game needed and the Irish were soon on the attack with Cpl McCann curling a great shot around the post. Soon afterwards the IDF pressure came to tell. Good work down the right wing had resulted in a corner that Private Conlon rose to meet at the back post and head the ball past the RAF keeper.
The final 20 minutes of the game continued at a high tempo, with fresh legs brought on by both teams to try and get the deciding goal. However, as the 90 minutes came to an end, the 1-1 score-line proved to be a fair result for what was a very evenly matched affair. Speaking after the game, the SRT Head Coach, FS Nick De Long said that ‘the match had been encouraging and an excellent foundation for the team prior to the Inter-Services’. The IDF Team Manager, Captain Declan Sheridan of the 28th Infantry Battalion in Donegal, echoed Nick’s views and highlighted the commitment and spirit of fair play that both the teams had displayed. He went on to praise the professionalism of the SRT in organising the event and wanted to express his most sincere thanks to MK Dons who had given his players, many of whom had never played overseas before, an invaluable experience. The senior IDF representative, Commandant Rod McAuliffe, reiterated these views and stated that ‘the hospitality that we have received has been beyond belief’. He also expressed that he hoped the special relationship that had developed between the 2 footballing organisations would be enduring and invited the RAF to Ireland in 2012.
In addition to the football, the IDF squad also made time in their schedule to take a tour of Wembley Stadium, which was facilitated by the RAF Football Association. Commenting on the experience, the captain of the IDF, Private Fitzgibbon based in Cork, said that it was a ‘dream come true for many of the lads to see Wembley and a memory that they will cherish.’ Speaking of the game, Private Fitzgibbon stated that ‘playing against the RAF has been unlike any other international fixture that we have played, due to the natural friendly rivalry between the nations…it makes for a really competitive game of football’.
The SRT are now looking ahead to the Inter-Services when they take on the Army on 16 Mar at Aldershot Football Club (KO 1900) and then host the final game of the series at Shrewsbury Town FC on 23 Mar, KO 1930. Entry to the match at Shrewsbury is free and the team are hoping that as many people as possible will come along and cheer them on.