Wales U-19's 0-1 Northern Ireland U-19's

As admittance for this youth international friendly at Airbus UK's Airfield ground was free - despite the early 6:00 PM kick-off - it seemed too good an opportunity to miss to cast eye an over the future of Welsh and Nothern Irish football.

Five years ago I watched a Wales Under-16 team that included the then relatively unknown Gareth Bale and Chris Gunter in the full-back positions.

Since my last visit to the Broughton based Welsh Premier side in January the club has added a new seated stand behind one of the goals in attempt to gain their FAW Domestic Licence. Only a safety certificate issue with the local council appears to be preventing confirmation of their place in the 'Super 12' next season. Hopefully this will be resolved shortly.

On the field the Under-19's of Northern Ireland just had the edge over their Welsh counterparts with a late well-taken James Gray (Middlesbrough) goal the difference. The game was fairly even with some encouraging play from both sides. Daniel Alfei (Swansea), Kai Edwards (Wrexham) and Ryan Doble (Southampton) stood out for Wales while Jonathan Breeze (Wigan) dictated play in midfield for Northern Ireland.

Hopefully my match report and full team line-ups will feature in Issue 142 of Welsh Football Magazine - due out in June.

The current issue of Welsh Football Magazine (Issue 141) is out now and features a piece I have written on Wrexham FC and their progress, or lack of, under manager Dean Saunders.

See - http://www.welsh-football.net/

NEWFA Cup Final: Buckley Town 3-0 Airbus UK

The NEWFA Cup Final presented an opportunity to take a look at the Racecourse Ground following the end of Wrexham FC's season a couple of weeks ago.

As Media Officer for Buckley Town it was pleasing to see them lift the trophy following a dramatic game which saw them overcome a strong Airbus UK second string. Having missed an early penalty and then reduced to 10 men - with forward Neil Wynne taking over in goal for half an hour - it was even more remarkable that Buckley dominated the game and won 3-0 thanks to some excellent goals.

A full match report and more pictures can be found at http://www.buckleytownfc.com/

As for the Racecourse - developments are quickly starting to take shape, certainly the speed in which the flats are being built on the car park right next to the Yale Stand. Unfortunately they will overlook a pitch in its worst state for quite some time. Clearly the demands of top-flight Rugby League (Crusaders RL) and Blue Square Premier football are taking their toll. Its pock-marked, the white markings for both sports clash and are unclear, while the ball bobbles when passed along the ground.

Pitch apart, it was a great way to end the term from a Buckley Town perspective with some silverware and Cymru Alliance status assured - follwoing an enjoyable and entertaining season.