Great Britain lose 0 - 1 to France in Hereford

Great Britain 0-1 France
10am, Sunday 5 February 2012
ThePoint4, Hereford

It was Martin Baron’s 17th minute strike that settled the weekend’s second encounter between Great Britain and France. The goal came following a defensive mix-up and Baron pounced to fire underneath the diving Skyers in the British goal.

Saturday’s game had ended in a stalemate with both sides matching each other blow by blow, but today was a different story.

The snow overnight had a positive effect on the French team as they were by far the better side and came out with all guns blazing and it was all credit that the British defence could do to keep them at bay for as long as they did.

Dan English proved a rock at the back for the home side and it could’ve been a different score line if it wasn't for his tough tackling and physical presence.

But it was inevitable that a French goal would come and an uncharacteristically poor touch from Dave Clarke let in Baron who finished well.

The remainder of the first half was the same story and it took until the last couple of minutes for Britain to have a real shot in anger, a good move by Robin Williams played in Darren Harris, whose shot was comfortably held by the French 'keeper.

The second half was extremely scrappy as both sides looked to gain control of the game and again it was France that came out on top, creating a couple of half chances that sub goalkeeper Dan James dealt with easily.

As the final whistle drew nearer, and with tempers fraying, the French defence shut up shop and nullified any real chance for the British forwards to create the opening they needed to equalise.

Great Britain
1 Lewis Skyers, 2 Will Norman, 3 Dan English, 4 Robin Willians, 5 Lee Brunton, 6 Dave Clarke, 12 Roy Turnham, 13 Dan James, 14 Darren Harris, 16 Jon Heenan

France
12 Frederic Jannas, 5 Hakim Arezki, 6 Martin Baron, 7 Abde Maya, 8 David Labarre, 9 Arnaud Ayax, 10 Frederic Villeroux

Match Officials
Paul Leversuch, Perry Gascoine, Dave Bryant, Jon Wilding

Attendance
210