Typical Heywood weather of cloudy skies, heavy rain, and freezing breeze greeted the players as they arrived at Heywood for game day three for the over 70’s. Thankfully the Relics play was in total contrast with bright football that brought a ten point haul from the day’s four games.
First game of the day for the Relics was Blackpool.
The Relics started well, keeping possession, and working the ball forward which resulted in a shot from Keiran going wide. Blackpool replied with a shot that was also wide. Another passing move from the back for the Relics resulted in a shot from Keiran well saved by the Blackpool keeper. Tex was running the play now and seemed to be everywhere, he found some space on the left, cut in and shot but was just wide. The Relics struck when a pass from defence found Keiran free in the inside right position, his shot cannoned in of the far post to put the Relics 1 – 0 up.
The Relics lost their rhythm after the goal and Blackpool took advantage with a shot wide following a free kick, then a misdirected pass from the Relics defence was intercepted but the resultant shot from Blackpool was over head height.
The Relics finally regained their composure with shots from Keiran going wide, a rare shot from Tony P went narrowly wide, Tex capped the action off with a carry from the halfway line and low grass cutter shot that was inches wide.
Final score Relics 1 – Blackpool 0
Next up was Rochdale. Last season’s champions started the day top of the league. A tough game was in prospect.
Rochdale started with a long spell of possession but it wasn’t long before the Relics started working their magic with John W and Tex working well together down the left hand side with Tex feeding John W who shot wide, then Tex shot high and wide, John W had another shot just wide. John W then pounced on a mis-control from a Rochdale defender, set himself up and blasted a shot passed the Rochdale keeper. Relics 1 – 0 up.
Jerry could have doubled the Relics lead but his shot was saved, and John W worked himself into a great position but shot just wide. A great performance from the Relics.
Final score Relics 1 Rochdale 0
Another tough game followed this time against Manchester Senior Citizens, which are always tough games. However the Relics were full of confidence after the opening two wins. The Relics started well with John W shooting wide following a free kick. The Citizens then played a period of possession with neither side really testing the others keeper.
The game was a tough midfield battle with both teams struggling to gain control. Then a pass from Dave Mo from the back found John W free on the edge of the box, who took his time and blasted his shot past the keeper. Relics 1 – 0 up
The last half-chance of the game came when a great turn and pass from John W found Jerry whose powerful shot was saved by the keeper.
Final score Relics 1 – Citizens 0
So into the last game of the day. The Relics had gone three wins from three games; could they make it a full house against Preston?
Not quite! The Relics were on top for most of this game and started with a turn and shot from Keiran that was saved. Tex ha a hard low shot that just went outside the far post before John W set him up again but the shot was well saved by the keeper.
Preston replied with a well worked shot that was saved by Eddie.
Keiran worked himself a good opening but his shot from a tight angle was saved. John W then ha a fantastic effort from the left hand side, following a free kick Johns shot was heading into the bottom right hand corner, but the keeper made a fantastic save to tip it round the post.
Preston had a couple of good chances that Eddie was equal to. Keiran then set up Tex but the shot was again brilliantly tipped round the post by the Preston keeper. John W ad the final piece of action when he worked himself a good opening on the right hand side but his powerful left foot shot was just wide. Preston had held on for a draw.
Final Score Relics 0 – Preston 0
A good day at the office for John W, and his ‘Wizard of Oz’ red boots getting two of the three Relics goals, which resulted in 10 points from a possible 12 for the Relics and saw them leapfrog from third position in the league to top of the table with one match day (4 games) left to play.
Well done to all the players Eddie (GK), Bob D, Tony P. Dave Mo, Pete A, Jerry S, John W, Tex, and Keiran, and Manager Keith S. Thanks for all the supporters that braved the weather.
Thanks as usual to Kodak Keith for the photo’s
… and finally the sun came out.
For all the GMWFL Spring 2022 fixtures and results see the Match Centre page here
Bury Relics 