What a way to mark the momentous occasion, 100 years ago. 2018 has marked the 100th anniversary of WW1 finally coming to an end on the 11th Nov so commemorating Armistice day has seemed more poignant than ever. It is hard to imagine the historic moment when the bitter adversaries stepped out of their trenches for a brief Christmas truce in 1914 to play football and break from the horror of war but perhaps all the more fitting to then remember the Armistice in 2018 with a games of football, with the same nations but now of course strong friends and allies.
It was a tremendous event held at both the Notts County and Notts Forest football grounds on the 8th Nov. 1000’s of children and fans were shipped in from across the local area to fill the stands, firstly to support the women, followed later by the men. This was a fantastic outreach and education for the many children to understand the significance of the Armistice and that terrible war but also witness some really high class football. They certainly raised the roof with their support and a huge congratulations to all the other supporters, sponsors (many from Team Army) and fans that made it such a special and memorable and inspiring occasion. A great credit to the AFA, the Lord Lieutenant and teams that pulled it all together.
A moving and highly successful show bringing together performances by Laura Wright, the Military Wives Choir, a band from the Royal Corps of Signals before the bugle call and the act of remembrance to the strains of the last post. With sporting celebrity, and strong representations from both british and german governments and armed forces it was certainly a night to remember — in every respect.
The only downside was the scoreline! The women were beaten 2-1 and the men 3-1! Oh well, roll on 2118 for a more successful re-match!
The Roving Reporter
Full match reports below.
WOMEN’S MATCH
In the early game, the German women won 2-1 at Nottingham County’s Meadow Lane. The Bundeswehr took the lead midway through the first half and went in 1-0 up at the break. The visitors could have added a second, but a save from Jessica Hawley kept the deficit to one. During the second half, the Army could have levelled when they had a corner cleared, but the Germans made the eventual winner soon after. Olivia Dickson did score a consolation effort for the Army but sadly the team could not score a leveller in the remaining stoppage time.
MEN’S MATCH
It was a similar story in the men’s fixture, with the Bundeswehr running out 3-1 winners in front of more than 6,000 spectators at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground. In a ten-minute period, the Germans scored three times – Alex Hess, Eric Schaaf and Yannick Wolf. Just before half-time the Army scored when team captain Corporal Rob Farkins headed in Sam Atkinson’s free kick. However despite several opportunities in the second half the Army were unable to gain on the German lead leaving the visitors as winners across both Games of Remembrance matches.