Manx walking football squad battles well in Wales

Two Island teams took on national opposition on 6 April

The Isle of Man's walking football squads put in a serious of battling displays during competition against national opposition last weekend.

Fielding both Over-60s and Over-70s teams they managed to get two draws from six games up against Wales and Northern Ireland at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium in Flintshire, Wales on Sunday (6 April).

A narrow 1-0 opening defeat for the 60s team against Wales was followed by the Manx side claiming a 2-2 draw against their Welsh counterparts in the following match.

During that contest Steve Hawke struck twice for the Islanders in a 'Man of the Match' performance.

This was followed by a 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland in the Over-60's third and final match with player/manager Tony Sewell on the scoresheet before Northern Ireland equalised in the final minute.

Elsewhere, Rob Earner opened the Over-70's account on the day in a 3-1 defeat to Wales.

Despite the opening loss, a reolsute display saw the Isle of Man claim a goalless draw against the same opposition in the following contest.

The Over-70s competition then came to a conclusion with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of a clinical Northern Ireland side.

Isle of Man Walking Football Association says whilst the Isle of Man 'didn't get the victory it deserved', the squad 'came away knowing they have the ability to challenge these much bigger nations.'