England C Defeated In International Challenge Trophy Final

England C faced a strong Slovakia under 23 side with some of their players being at clubs including Benfica, Sampdoria and Lille, writes Tom Feaheny.

Boreham Wood keeper Grant Smith was called into action early and made a fine save stopping David Ivan’s header, he then made another fine save stopping Lukas Skovajsa’s free-kick from just outside the area.

England responded with Dag & Red's Fejiri Okenabirhie’s effort being parried by the hosts keeper to Maidenhead United's Sam Barratt but he couldn't get his shot past a host of defenders.

Slovakia just before half-time were a goal up when a cross found Filip Orsula who did well to control the pass with his chest and his shot hit the turf and bounced in. It was nearly two when a penalty was awarded but Lubomir Satka hit the crossbar, Paul Fairclough's side were then reduced to ten men with Andrew Cartwright sent off for a tackle on Ivan.

Moments into the second-half Slovakia went 2-0 up with Ivan firing a low effort in, it was then 3-0 with Michal Fasko placing a shot past Smith.

York City's David Ferguson delivered two crosses that caused the hosts problems with Aldershot Town's Jake Gallagher forcing a save with a powerful header.

But Slovakia were to add a fourth when Wolves's Christian Herc was found at the back post and headed in.

England C nearly got a consolation when Ebbsfleet United's Jack Powell hit a free-kick against the wall but his follow up strike glanced the side netting.

For more news, reaction and action from across the National League, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.