Finals day of the GMWFL Manchester League (Thursday 9th July 2021) saw the Relics over 65’s lose to a very strong Manchester Corinthians team in the over 65’s Cup Final.
In the early minutes of the game both teams cancelled each other out with no team getting an early advantage, however about half way through the first half the Corinthians opened the scoring with a fine tight turn and terrific shot gave Gaz no chance.
Relics 0 – Corinthians 1
The Relics continued to press and were awarded a four-offence penalty. Graham W hit a strong spot kick that just went outside of the keepers right hand post.
Graham nearly made amends immediately afterwards with a great shot that beat the keeper, but hit the bar, crashed down on to the goal line and somehow spun back into the keepers grateful arms.
Play moved to the other end, and the Relics went 2 down when a cross field ball found the Corinthian player on the right wing unmarked and with time to hit a tremendous shot low and hard into the corner.
Relics 0 – Corinthians 2
The Relics continued to play good football and unsettle the Corinthians defence which led to another four-offence penalty being awarded to the Relics. This time John W stepped up to hit a fine penalty but the keeper just managed to claw the ball out.
Half time Relics 0 – Corinthians 2
Early second half exchanges saw Corinthians awarded a four-offence penalty. The spot kick was struck hard and low but cannoned off Gaz’s right hand post. Corinthians continued to put pressure on the Relics forcing Gaz into a couple of fine saves to keep the Relics in the game. The Corinthians pressure paid off with a third goal with another turn and shot that Gaz had no chance with.
Relics 0 – Corinthians 3
The Relics don’t know how to give up and continued to press, forcing three free kick in succession, the third one resulting in a great goal from John W following a pin point, defence splitting pass from Graham W.
Relics 1 – Corinthians 3
More Relics pressure and the Relics thought they pulled another goal back, but Bobs goal was disallowed for running. Another superb pass from Graham W to John W saw Johns shot send the keeper the wrong way, but somehow managing to save with his foot. As time was running out the Relics pressure forced the Corinthians defence into conceding another four-offence penalty. This time Graham scored, but the goal was disallowed for two steps. The game didn’t have time to restart as the ref blew for full time.
Full time – Relics 1 – Corinthians 3
So, it wasn’t to be, the Relics played well but were beaten by the better side on the day.
Relics:- Gaz, Pete Shev, John C, Tex, John W, Graham W, Bob D. Manager: Dave Mo
For all the Relics Manchester League results, goalscorers, and league tables see the Match Centre page here
Thanks to ‘Kodak’ Keith H for the photos
Manchester League – Relics 65’s lose final.
Bury Relics 