Pic: Pinnacle
Turkey: 2
Colak 45+1, 71
England C: 0
EMRE COLAK’S brilliant double ended England C’s International Challenge Trophy hopes in Istanbul.
The Turkey playmaker scored two long distance strikes to eliminate Non-League‘s spirited Three Lions after two group games.
England C captain James Norwood was sent off for two yellow cards on an afternoon when the hosts’ quality shone through.
In their starting line up they boasted 18 full international caps. Tunay Torun has nine of them and England knew they would have to keep him in check after his hat-trick against Slovakia earlier in this competition.
But it was Colak, a thorn in England’s side when the pair met at Dartford‘s Princes Park just over 18 months ago, who was the star.
The Galatasaray man showed why he’s played in the Champions League, as well as once for his country, with an outstanding display in midfield.
Early on he called Hayes & Yeading keeper Calum Kitscha into action but it wasn’t until the end of the first half that he struck.
Lining up a free-kick 25 yards out, he curled the ball into the top corner. It was a blow for England who had worked tirelessly to keep their shape and disrupt Turkey’s passing game.
Knowing anything less than a win would see them out of the competition, England C needed to throw caution to the wind after the break.
Kitscha made a vital low save from Soner Aydogdu to keep England in the game as they went in search of the two goals they needed.
First Bristol Rovers’ Lee Brown took aim from distance and forced Abdulaziz Demircan to tip his drive over the bar.
From the corner Marc Roberts saw his header pushed around the post by the keeper.
While England desperately battled for an equaliser, Turkey continued to pose a threat.
And it was that man Colak who put the game out of reach. After a clever drag-back he unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
Moments later, England were down to ten men when Forest Green Rovers attacker Norwood was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Kamil Corekci.
The result also confirmed Turkey’s qualification to the tournament’s latter stages along with Slovakia.
England C play their third and final game against Estonia at FC Halifax Town‘s Shay home next month.
England C v Turkey: Calum Kitscha, Andy Halls, Chey Dunkley, Marc Roberts , Lee Brown, Matty Pearson (Jordan Roberts 70), Jake Gallagher (James Comley 74), Josh Payne, James Norwood, Louis Moult (Jordan Burrow 64), Elliott Frear
Subs not used: Andy Coughlin, Joe McNerney
