England: England: Baker, Kennedy, Guyett, Boardman, Rose, Whitman, Johnson, Terry (Drummond 70), D’Sane, Agogo (Jackson 77), Morris (Elam 63). Subs not used: Weale, Skiverton, Hatswell, Way.
Scotland: Shearer, Archibald, Dolan (O’Neill 50), Milne, Anderson, Fleming, McGinley, Still, Main (Fairhurst 82), Murray, Stephen (McKenzie 55). Subs not used: Cantley, Scott.
Referee: P.Tuite (Pepublic of Ireland).

It’s not everyday you get to see a Chester City player lifting a trophy – and I’m one of those rare fans who’ve seen it twice. My first was the famous Nationwide Variety Club trophy victory against Kingstonian witnessed by 494 others. My second was when I saw Scott Guyett pick up the Four Nations Championship Trophy, watched by an even smaller crowd.

Scott played a captain’s role in England’s 1-1 draw with Scotland at Carmarthen Town – a result which ensured England, featuring players from Chester, Yeovil, Woking, Hereford, Canvey Island, Dagenham and Redbridge, Halifax, Barnet, Northwich, Morecambe, Aldershot and Doncaster, finished top of the table and saw Scott presented with the tournament’s rosebowl trophy.

The England National XI were clearly weary when they took to the field, showing all the signs of playing a final game in a three-match tournament at the end of a hard season. Part-timers Scotland, almost all drawn from the Highland League, were soon pressing the tired-legged England team.

A slip in the English defence after just ten minutes saw Scot Ian Murray charge through on goal. Goalkeeper Matt Baker was lucky to stay on the pitch when he bought him down to give away a penalty. Murray had no problem slotting the ball home. 1-0 to Scotland.

Although England pressed forward, with Yeovil’s Lee Johnson playing a key role in spraying the ball across the park, there was no other shot on target in the first half. The game was not really much of an advert for lower league football.

England came out with more determination in the second half – with captain Guyett continuing to rally the troops. He was the usual rock in defence and took on the captain’s role with predictable confidence.

Aldershot’s Roscoe D’Sane was the one of the few England players who looked as though he could run and run forever. His nagging persistence finally paid off when he was in the perfect spot as Junior Agogo (ex-Chester City) passed to him. D’Sane made no mistake and hit the equaliser home. I’m sure that’s not the first time I’ll see him score a well-taken goal, Conference defences, be warned!

The game lacked any other real excitement, with the Welsh neutrals taking more pleasure from working out where all the England fans had come from and what drew us to this small corner of Wales. I got my reward for making the journey when I saw Scott lift the trophy. I hope I’ll see something similar later in the year – with a few more people watching this time

Report and pictures: Sue Choularton