Middlesex Wanderers, the amateur touring side representing our county, was recently invited by the Jersey FA to be part of the Jackson International Trophy Four team tournament held from May 23rd to 26th May in the capital, St. Helier. Amateur representative teams from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland made up the other sides in this round robin competition. In the first match upon arrival on the Thursday against the hosts Jersey at the National stadium, Middlesex Wanderers recovered from a goal down to secure a draw courtesy of a Rob Laney strike.
On Saturday 25th May the Wanderers took on a Republic of Ireland side that had beaten the England C team recently. Again the team had to reduce the arrears thanks to a quality strike from D'Sean Theobalds (Tonbridge Angels). Unfortunately The Irish team snatched victory late on to secure the 3 points. In what was a grueling schedule Wanderers played their third match in 4 days and again Theobalds managed to give the tourists the lead with a penalty after Mike Jones of Hungerford Town had been brought down. Dernell Wynter (Potters Bar) doubled the lead only for Northern Ireland to strike back. However the Wanderers held on for victory to finish behind the Republic Ireland in this inaugural Trophy.
Steve Ward from the MWAFC said "I was pleased Rob was able to tour again after his last tour to Scotland a couple of years ago to give us that much needed experience as I knew what qualities he had. Over the matches Rob stood out and represented himself and Wingate and Finchley in a very positive way. Rob led the line well in all the games he played and dominated in the air causing problems for some very good defenders. I’m glad he again got to experience tournament football and had some pressure free football on a beautiful island.
The full squad was: Matt Nolan (Enfield) Rob Laney (Wingate and Finchley) James Folkes D’Sean Theobalds (both Tonbridge Angels) Tom Bonner (Dartford) George Ironton Carl Mensah Jon Clement (all Tring Town) Jay Rolfe (Welwyn Garden City) Dernell Wynter (Potters Bar Town) Mike Jones (Hungerford Town) Kyran Clements Ryan Horne (both Bury Town) Dean Inman (Kingstonian) Josh Urquart (Harlow Town) Khale Da Costa (St. Albans City)