Honours even in occasion to savour for the Army

By Jon Couch

THE British Army Men and Womens teams took on their German counterparts, Bundeswehr, in the Games of Remembrance to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of The Battle of The Somme this week – and finished with honours even.

The follow-up to the successful Game of Truce, held at Aldershot Town FC in December 2014, kicked off with the Womens’ match, staged at FA HQ at St George’s Park and culminated in the mens’ encounter at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium, watched by 1,142 spectators.

Two goals from Yeovil Town’s impressive craftswoman Kelly Aldridge (REME) – including a stunning 25-yard strike – and an effort from Corporal Lucy Freeman (AGC) handed the British Army a 3-1 victory.

But, despite the attendance of World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton, the men couldn’t complete a double as the Bundeswehr edged a nervy encounter 2-1.

Holger Wulff put the Germans in front on 13 minutes only for Hinckley FC’s Lance Corporal Ryan Paddock (Royal Signals) to head home the equaliser on the half hour.

German keeper Andreas Forster was forced into a number of fine saves as the British Army piled forward but the visitors imposed themselves after the break and deserved their eventual winner on 69 minutes, which came courtesy of Florian Stahl.

Proceeds from the match went to the Royal British Legion, Burton Albion Community Trust and German military charities with the British Army heading off to Germany for the return fixture in June 2017.