Three Hartpury students proudly represented the English Colleges FA (ECFA) National Team on Friday 6 February, helping secure victory in the prestigious England vs Wales Challenge Cup.
O’Rian Reid (BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (Football)), Dylan John (A-levels) and Kian Davies (BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (Football)) all featured in the highly competitive fixture, which saw England emerge victorious following a dramatic penalty shootout.
Kian Davies started the match as one of the two deeper midfielders in what proved to be a physical opening period.
“The first 20 minutes consisted of a lot of heading and kicking the ball,” he said. “We then scored to make it 1-0 and started getting on the ball more. I felt like I began dictating the game.”
Davies continued to influence proceedings after the break, hitting the post from a free kick early in the second half before England doubled their advantage to make it 2-0. He was substituted in the 70th minute after a commanding performance in midfield.
Dylan John entered the game in the second half as England came under sustained Welsh pressure.
“After being under immense pressure from the Welsh, I managed to help ensure the game went to penalties,” he said. “I scored directly from a corner and from a rebound, headed one off the line and made some good blocks in the last minute, even after hurting my ankle.”
John’s resilience and defensive determination were key in forcing the contest to a shootout.
O’Rian Reid started as one of the two forwards and caused problems throughout his time on the pitch.
“I played up top and was a handful, running in behind and forcing defenders to put it out for throws and corners,” he explained. “I kept dragging out to the left wing, which created space for the other striker, that’s where the first goal came from.”
After a brief spell on the bench in the second half, Reid returned first as a striker before switching to left wing in a 4-3-3 formation, continuing to stretch the Welsh defence. He confidently converted his penalty in the shootout as England sealed victory.
The trio’s contributions underline the strength and quality within the football programme at Hartpury University and College. Representing their country at national level and lifting silverware is a significant achievement and a testament to their hard work and development.
Winning the England vs Wales Challenge Cup marks a proud milestone for O’Rian, Dylan and Kian, and for Hartpury, as they continue to make their mark on the national stage.
