WELSH supporters were still in high spirits after the 2-0 defeat against England at Manchester's Old Trafford stadium despite Saturday's disappointing result.

Seven thousand Welsh fans packed into Old Trafford with hundreds travelling from Gwent for the game against the 'Old Enemy', the first time the sides had met for 20 years.

The atmosphere between the two sets of fans, before, during and after the game was relatively good natured despite the predictable booing of the national anthems, as well as few idiots ruining the one minute silence dedicated to 62-year-old Ken Bigley, the British hostage murdered in Iraq.

But despite the positive nature of Welsh fans who made themselves well heard during the game, hearts were broken when Frank Lampard scored as early as the third minute, and England captain David Beckham settled matters with a marvellous 25-yard second-half goal.

Steve Reed and family travelled up from Blaenavon on Saturday for the game, and despite the result still had a day to remember at Old Trafford.

He said: "We were obviously disappointed with the result but we had an excellent day. I drove up on the Saturday with my brother Craig, my wife Lisa and my 13-year-old daughter Emily and it was a really good atmosphere.

"The game wasn't the best, I think we gave England too much respect and our star players such as John Hartson, Craig Bellamy and Simon Davies went missing, but we'll remember the day for a long time."

Teacher Paul Coukisas from Abersychan Primary attended the game with children from his school who were mascots.

He said: "I'm gutted that we lost but all the children had a great day and we really enjoyed it."

Andrew Rossman from Newport added: "The boys gave it their best shot but it just wasn't to be. Hopefully they'll redeem themselves when England come to the Millennium Stadium."