For the final game of the Centenary Shield campaign, Wales travelled to Republic of Ireland and Home Farm FC. As Republic of Ireland are known for being notoriously tough opposition in the competition, Wales knew they were in for a tough test.

Both teams started off brightly looking to get the break through and settle a few nerves. It was the Republic who found the back of the net first. Wales keeper Green fouled the on rushing Irish striker inside the penalty box which gave the men in green the opportunity to take the lead, they duly obliged. Sustained periods of pressure from both sides looked threatening but neither team could put the final pass together but the Irish were enjoying more of the possession. On the 35th minute a promising attack from the Republic centre midfielders opened up space in the midfield and a wonderful through ball was played into the Irish striker to score unopposed, 2-0 Republic. With Wales sitting deep for the remainder of the half to prevent anymore Irish goals, it was clear to see that a tactical change was needed if they were to get back into the game. 

From a Welsh point of view, the game needed an injection of pace and an opportunity to exploit the wide areas and set pieces seemed paramont to get a result. Four substitutions at half time made a statement of intent to make sure they wouldn't go home empty handed or indeed without a fight. The plan worked, on the 51st minute, a freekick from just inside the Irish half was flicked on by Bobby Beaumont before being smashed home my captain Lee Jenkins, 2-1, Wales back in the game. The game had opened up with both sides enjoying success going forward. Republic again looked dangerous through the middle and only resolute defending from centre half pair Bobby and Lee kept the Irish from scoring. As if we couldn't talk about them enough, Bobby was again involved in the next Welsh goal. Another set piece, this time swung in from the right provided by Jake Hampson was met with a bullet header and an unmarked, Bobby Beaumont, 2-2, 60 minutes gone. Not long after, the Republic provided a sucker punch for the Welsh nodding in a freekick unmarked to make the score 3-2, a poor set piece goal to concede that will have frustrated the Welsh management team. An even passage of play with good chances for either side followed before the Republic were presented with a freekick on the edge of the 18-yard box to stretch their lead. A well organised wall prevented the initial shot but the follow up couldn't be stopped and the Republic were now 4-2 up with 15 minutes to play. With the Welsh side not looking threatening with the ball of the floor, their only hope to close the gap was from set pieces like the previous two occasions. On the 81st minute, another Jake Hampson delivery from a freekick deep in the Republic half was met by Lee Jenkins to nod home his second of the night. Wales threatened to score again from set pieces and open play but with time against them, the score seemed destined to stay the same. To rub insult into the Welsh wounds, a goal keeper error lead to the Republic scoring a 5th goal in the final minute of injury time with the final score finishing 5-3 to Republic of Ireland. A great game for the neutral and those watching on YouTube but for Wales, a disappointing end to their campaign. 

Nonetheless, a great experience for these players playing international football for Wales and gaining valuable exposure in the football world. Congratulations to all players who took part over the course of this years Centenary Shield. Plenty to look forward too for next season!

TEAM: Eric Green (Gardiner 45'), Scott Butler, Bobby Beaumont, Lee Jenkins, Telor Williams, Jake Hampson, Joe Dyer (Pascoe 45'), Toby Vickery, Dylan Jones, Tristan Jenkins (Wilson 45'), Oliver Lanceley (Caton 45') (Subs: Shaun Gardiner, Jack Pascoe, Charlie Caton, Jack Wilson)