Days after seeing their name drawn out of that hat, in what will be their debut international qualifying campaign at UEFA France 2016, Gibraltar played host to the Faroe Islands in their first home international as a UEFA federation on Saturday 1st of March in a friendly organised by Milenio Sports Management at Victoria Stadium.

Despite the game being a sell out, it was a disappointing match for the hosts as they fell to a 4-1 defeat on a rainy and windy night on the rock.

Gibraltar started off really well with captain Roy Chipolina scoring their first ever international goal within the first quarter of the match converting a powerful header from close range coner however just minutes later a mistake by the defence allowed the Faroe Islands to equalise with a powerful left foot snap shot from distance from Joan Simun Edmundson just outside the area.

The Faroes scored a second quickly thereafter through a deflected shot from Christian Holst and then had a chance to go in 3-1 at halftime but missed a penalty.

Into the second half and the Faroe Islands soon increased their lead adding a third goal at the start of the second half, before a fourth goal put the win beyond doubt for Faroe Islands late in the game.

Gibraltar were last week drawn against former world cup winners Germany’s group D for the Euro 2016 qualifiers. They will also face the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Poland and Georgia in their group. This was the first of two international matches this week the next being against Estonia on FIFA Friendly date March 5th. .

Gibraltar called upon three uncapped players to form the squad for the two matches. Wrexham’s David Artell and Wycombe Wanderer’s Reece Styche both being selected for the first time.

Recently retired Danny Higginbotham and Adam Priestley of non-league Farsley were also called up for the two international matches to be played this week, the second against Estonia on Wednesday.

Southampton academy goalkeeper Will Britt has been named for the Estonia game as has, Preston North End’s Scott Wiseman.

Liam Walker, who recently moved to Bnei Yehuda in Israel, will also be included for the Estonia game.

Squads named for the Two Internationals are as follows.

Gibraltar v Faroe Islands

Goalkeepers: Jordan Perez (Lincoln FC), Jamie Robba (Lynx FC), Kevin De Los Santos (Man62).
Defenders: Danny Higginbotham (un-attached), Roy Chipolina (Lincoln FC), Ryan Casciaro (Lincoln FC),David Artell (Wrexham FC), Yogan Santos (Man62), Matthew Reoch (Man62), John Jack Sergeant (Man62).

Midfielders: Robert Guilling (Lincoln FC), Aaron Payas (Lincoln FC), Joseph Chipolina (Lincoln FC),Jeremy Lopez (Man62), Tyson Ruiz (Lynx FC), Liam Clarke (Lincoln FC).
Strikers: Adam Priestly (Farsley FC), George Cabrera (Lincoln FC), Reece Styche (Wycombe Wanderers), Kyle Casciaro (Lincoln FC).

Reserve Players: Daniel Duarte (Lincoln FC), Joseph Chipol (College Europa FC), Anthony Hernandez (Cadiz CF), Julio Bado (Lynx FC),John Paul Duarte (Lincoln FC), Anthony Bardon (Man62), Daylian Victor (College Europa FC),Erin Barnett (Lions/Gib FC), Adolfo Anes (Lincoln FC).

 

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