O’s defender Marvin Ekpiteta was in familiar territory, playing the full 90 minutes at the heart of England C’s defence in E10. The Three Lions were made to work for their victory as an Alfie Pavey penalty in the second half was enough to secure victory for England.
The Havant and Waterlooville striker’s penalty was the only goal of the game after Laurence Maguire, brother of World Cup star Harry, was dragged down in the penalty area by Vladamir Avilov.
However, it could have been very different after half an hour when full-back Hindrek Ojamaa whipped a low cross into the box towards the near post, where Kevin Kauber was waiting to tap the ball past Ben Killip only to be denied by the offside flag.
Knocking on the Door
The blue-shirts of Estonia were quick to prove they were not shy of a tackle. Avilov committed a foul in a dangerous area, however Robbie Tinkler drilled his low free-kick wide of the mark after just five minutes.
England began to grasp control of the game and knock the ball around comfortably. James Hardy flashed a controlled strike narrowly wide after some stunning build up play, with Tom Walker bringing the ball from midfield before setting up Hardy to strike.
Pavey could have bagged a first half hat-trick and came close to breaking the deadlock after 22 minutes. The forward rolled his marker on the edge of the box but sent his 18-yard strike wide of the target with the goal at his mercy. His second opportunity fell immediately after Estonia’s disallowed goal, but the striker could only direct a header into the goalkeeper’s gloves from 12-yards.
The Hawks striker’s third and final opportunity came after 42 minutes. An awful mistake saw Estonia lose possession deep in their own half but fortunately for the visitors, Pavey failed to keep his composure and lashed at the ball from just outside the area. England continued to dominate the half but failed to find an opening, as the referee blew his whistle for half-time with the game goalless.
Pavey Pounces
In the second half, James Hardy curled an effort wide of the Estonian goal as England picked up the tempo in search of another goal. Both sides made substitutions just before the hour mark as their respective managers looked to the bench to inspire a win.
England’s penalty-kick was awarded shortly after the hour mark. Maguire was pulled by Avilov as the centre-back looked certain to score. Pavey stepped up and made no mistake in smashing the ball into the bottom right corner of the net after 65 minutes. Ten minutes later, the scorer was substituted to thunderous applause as Kurt Willoughby came on for his debut.
As time ticked on, Hardy tried his luck from distance but Estonian goalkeeper Aland made an easy save down to his left. Then, substitute Joe Mellish came close to doubling England’s lead when the left back drilled a shot come cross narrowly wide of the target from inside the penalty area.
The game began to lose urgency in the final minutes. Both managers continued to make changes as the tempo of the tie slowed right down. England held off a late rush from Estonia to secure a thoroughly professional and deserved win at The Breyer Group Stadium.
Match Stats:
ENGLAND: Ben Killip (Ryan Huddart 51), Robbie Tinkler, Marvin Ekpiteta, Laurence Maguire (Luke Pennell 87’), Jerome Binnom-Williams (Joe Millish 51’), Ryan Croasdale, Alfie Pavey (Kurt Willoughby 75’), Thomas Walker (Joshua Taylor 72’), Wesley Fonguck, James Hardy, Ed Williams.
SUBS:
MANAGER: Paul Fairclough
GOALS: Pavey (x1)
BOOKED:
ESTONIA: Richard Aland, Vladimir Avilov, Joseph Saliste (Alger Dzumadic 88’), Hindrek Ojamaa, Gerdo Juhkam, Kevin Kauber (Roman Sobtsenko 58), Robert Kirss(C), Kaspar Paur (Andre Paju 76’), Maksim Gussey (Sander Kapper 58’), Tauno Tekko (Rasmus Peetson 76’), Tristan Koskor.
SUBS: Magnus Karofeld, Janar Ounap
MANAGER: Urmas Kirs
GOALS:
BOOKED: Avilov (x1) Kapper (x1)
ATTENDANCE: 635
