England 1 – 1 Montenegro

UEFA European Under-19 Championship – Elite Round

Played at Rochdale AFC, Spotland Stadium 27/05/2012

England are still on course to reach the finals of the Uefa European Under-19’s Championship finals in Estonia in July after a hard fought 1-1 draw with Montenegro.

Having played all three of their Elite round qualifying games here at Spotland, the Montenegrins were classed as the home side but the majority of 1217 inside the Stadium were supporting Noel Blake’s England team.

Both sides won their opening fixtures which meant the winner of this game would almost certainly win the group and qualify for the finals in Talin.

England started off the more confident of the two sides and the class of their players, the majority of whom have Premiership or football league experience, showed in the early stages, although the goal of Daniel Petkovic was never really challenged.

It was slightly against the run of play when Montenegro took the lead through a stunning strike by Captain Marco Vukcevic. His powerful 22 yard strike whistled into the top corner giving Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone no chance.

The goal rattled England and the Montenegrins continued to play well. Johnstone had to be at his best to deny a flurry of chances whilst Everton’s Eric Dier glanced England’s best chance wide.

The second half carried on in much the same vein although Manchester United’s Will Keane and Liverpool’s Jack Dunn came close for England. Keane fired over from seven yards but should have done better.

It looked as if Montenegro were heading for the win but with five minutes left on the clock Arsenal’s Benik Afobe fired England level. Substitute Harry Kane’s long range throw was flicked on by Dier to Afobe whose turn and shot from close range found the roof of the net.

A draw for England takes them into the final round of games on Wednesday evening with qualification still in their sights. They take on Switzerland at Preston North End’s Deepdale Stadium whilst Montenegro return to Spotland to take on Slovenia.

The game at Spotland on Wednesday kicks off at 7:30pm. Tickets are for sale on the gate with admission costing just £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.