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Junior footballers maintain 100 per cent record

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Goals from Sam Zerovabeli and Michael Kenley saw Team GB make it two out of two as they edged out hosts Austria in the Junior football in Vienna.

Having won their opening match 2-0 yesterday, GB were quick out of the blocks with Zerovabeli headed home after 15 minutes.

Austria levelled five minutes later after a mix-up in the GB defence.

GB continued to create chances with Rob Cohen denied by the home keeper after 30 minutes.

Zachary Collins came even closer minutes later, hitting the bar as GB stepped up the pace.

Stanley Offord caught the eye as the match wore on, reminding me of a young Stuart Peace, driving forward at every opportunity down the left.

GB were the better team in the second half and it came as no surprise when Kenley showed a cool head to drive the ball home from 10 yards.

Scott Oldfield came close to adding a third, firing into the side-netting from an acute angle.

GB manager Joel Nathan said: “The conditions were tough today – hot and humid – and is was difficult playing two games in two days.

“It wasn’t a great performance but we got the result.

“Credit to the boys who stuck to their task. They did what they had to which is what tournament football is all about.”

Coach Scott Shulton said: “I can’t complain with two wins out of two. Both keepers have had one save to make in each game and both have been excellent so far.

“The team is playing exactly as we asked them to – keeping the ball well which will help with fresh legs in the latter stages.

“We’ve created lots of chances in both games, and the good thing about this team is that it will always score goals.

“Joel and I are trying to drill into them that they are not Arsenal and we must improve out shooting.

“The boys have stuck together and are getting to grips with the rolling subs but they will still have to adapt as the tournament goes on.”

Shulton recently signed a one-year extension at Blue Square Premier Braintree Town. He said: “I’ve been kicking every ball with them and lost my voice after both matches.

“I’m also doing my pre-season at the same time so get up early every morning to go for a run.”

Asked if the team can go all the way, Shulton said: “I’m very confident the boys will make the final.”

Shulton has been impressed by the squad, but he reserved special mention for Jake Bentwood, who has excelled in central defence and midfield. Shulton said: “He’s solid and I see a bit of myself in him. Michael Kenley has scored two in two and you can’t ask for any more in a striker.

“I’m drilling into the boys that they are an 18-man team. We do everything together and I’m confident we can go all the way.”

GB take on Spain tomorrow morning.

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