Wales Veterans Over 55s put on a five-star performance in this prestige friendly against Royal Wootton Bassett Town Over 50s. The Dragons displayed their international class and were rewarded with a five goal win courtesy of goals by Fredericksen (2), Thompson, Jones and Evans.

Bassett gave their all but inevitably tired in the closing stages as Wales walked in goal numbers three to five.

The only Bassett glimmers of hope from an attacking point of view came when Chris Cooper rattled the Welsh crossbar with a great long range effort, a penalty just before half time which Marc Cresswell was unable to convert, and a second half close range shot from Rob Mitchell which was blocked.

The Welsh started as they continued throughout, controlled structured passing football as Bassett struggled to get any decent possession.

The hosts had already netted when offside before they took an early lead. Bassett attempted a hurried clearance but the ball went back into their own box where a Welsh player gratefully collected and calmly slotted the opener through a crowd of legs.

The second goal arrived before twenty minutes was up. This time a diagonal cross was not dealt with in the air by the visitors. A Welsh player took the ball down and finished efficiently before Stephens had time to set himself.

Bassett did well and enjoyed plenty of good fortune to keep the score at 2-0 as the Welsh struck the woodwork at least twice and had numerous other chances to put the game out of sight before Cooper reminded them there were two teams attacking when he cut in off the right flank to curl a great effort over the 'keeper which struck the bar and rebounded to safety.

Just before the break the hard working Marc Cresswell was bundled over in the area and the referee pointed instantly to the spot. Cresswell picked himself up, but though normally so reliable from 12 yards, his mishit effort was straight at the grateful Welsh 'keeper who held comfortably dropping down to his right.

Paul Gardner in the Bassett hot seat praised his players' efforts and called for a bit more composure and timing of the pass when in possession during the second half.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first though with the Welsh dominating controlled possession and Bassett trying manfully to keep them at bay. The back three of Ellis Watson and Smith were extremely busy as was Partridge in midfield trying to blunt the threat of the dynamic number 10 for the Welsh.

Danger man Fredericksen who had already had numerous chances to open his account finally did when he stretched beyond the far post to prod home from a left wing centre.

The fourth and fifth goals were scored in similar fashion as the Welsh got in behind a tiring Bassett back line before picking out unmarked players arriving to slot in from inside the six yard box.

Fredericksen was the man who completed the scoring with his second and the fifth in total for the Wales side.

They even had a further effort ruled out for offside before the final whistle but ended the game well satisfied with their day's work.

Bassett can count this as a great experience to once again play International opposition.

Now attention turns to Bassett's final league game at Easington Sports on the 14th May 2023. Bassett will be determined to avenge a hugely disappointing 4-3 defeat in the home game against Easington, where they let a commanding 3-1 lead slip. A win would underline the big improvement the team have made in the team's third season competing in the Oxfordshire Over 50 Premier League.

Bassett Man of the Match: Bryan Watson was chosen by the hosts for the award. He was part of the back three who battled throughout to contain a superior Welsh team. He also brought the ball out and passed it intelligently whenever possible.

Credit: Ceri Stephens
Last modified on Monday 1st May 2023 at 12:18