England and Northern Ireland win at Four Nations Challenge Cup
September 19 2022At the end of day two of the Four Nations Challenge Cup, it was a battle between England and Northern Ireland in both the men and women’s competitions. The women’s game took place first with the English team making up for their defeat the day before against the Northern Irish. England beat Northern Ireland 7-3 and were crowned champions of the Four Nations Challenge Cup.
In the men’s competition, the Northern Irish beat the English 7-2. It was a low scoring second half as Northern Ireland were 6-2 ahead at half time. Despite the low scoring, both teams weren’t short of opportunities with strong performances from both keepers helping to keep the score down.
In both men and women’s third and fourth play offs, it was a battle between hosts Scotland and the Welsh Dragons and Warriors. The women’s game between Scotland and Wales saw a heavy defeat despite the best efforts of the hosts. The Welsh Dragons beat the Scots 10-1 with Sarah the Scottish goalkeeper surprising the visitors by sending a goal past their keeper.
The match between the Scottish men and the Welsh Warriors was tight, ending 7-6 to Wales. Not quite the 21 goal thriller from the day before, but a fantastic spectacle for the onlooking audience who were largely backing the host nation.
A fantastic weekend with a high level of football from all Four Nations. This delighted and enthralled the watching fans. The day ended with a brilliant performance from the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, still in their football kit from their victory against the MSPs earlier in the day.
The Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers were coached by Val McDermid with Mark Billingham in net and Chris Brookmyre, Doug Johnstone and Stuart Neville outfield. They took on Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar, SNP MSP Paul McLennan, Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay and a late addition, journalist Liam Kirkaldy, who filled in last minute for SNP MSP Neil Gray.
A massive congratulations to all of the players from all of us at the Homeless World Cup, you have done your countries proud and brought a huge amount of joy to the spectators and to all of us. Thank you for a brilliant weekend of street football and new friendships.
Watch the highlights video
Final standings & results
It was a clash between England and Northern Ireland in both the men and women’s competition. Seven was the lucky number with England beating Northern by 7-3 in the women’s competition, while Northern Ireland beat England 7-2 to take the Men’s title.