The Relics over 60’s stripes welcomed new signing Carl H to a sunny but chilly Heywood Sports Village for Match day 3 of the GMWFL over 60’s Spring 2022 season. As usual Heywood had its own micro climate with the rest of north Manchester having a sunnier and warmer day than Heywood.
The Relics started slowly in the first game against Ribble Valley with Ribble keeping possession for the first few minutes and the Relics not getting a look in. After a bit of possession from both sides the Relics nearly got a chance when Andy Rich nearly intercepted a Ribble move but the “oohhh” from the Relics fans on the side lines meant that he had just missed it.
Ribble carved out a chance with a good passing move and powerful shot from the left hand side that thundered off the inside of the far post, across the front of the Relics goal and out for a throw in on the left, a let of for the Relics. The Relics looked dis-jointed and couldn’t really get going. Half time 0 – 0
The Relics found it difficult to get into their rhythm in the second half and a few stray passes presented Ribble with good chances that were squandered with off target shots. Relics rookie Carl finished off a good move with a shot that was saved by the Ribble keeper.
Full time Relics 0 Ribble Valley 0
The Relics were more awake for the second game against Wakefield, but Wakefield started with the first period of possession which resulted in a shot that was over head height and over the bar. Relics replied with a good move from John H to Carl whose shot was saved. Wakefield where getting players free and creating chances. A good shot from distance from a Wakefield player rattled the same post that had been hit in the first game and came out back into play. Shortly before the break that post frustrated Wakefield once again when a powerful shot hit it and rebounded back into play, but stayed out of the net much to the Relics relief and at half time it was still 0 – 0
The Relics went ahead early in the second half when Carl threaded a pass in between two Wakefield players to Andy who strode forward a couple of paces and put a powerful left food shot into the net. Some good blocks from Pete Shev kept Wakefield out.
Full Time Relics 1 – Wakefield 0
Boosted by the victory the Relics where full of confidence going into the last game of the day was against Winstanley Walkers who had beaten the Relics in the previous two months games. Winstanley had the first couple of chances with a shot saved by Eddy then a neat turn and shot that Eddy also saved.
The Relics than carved out a chance which Carl managed to get on the end of, his left foot shot beat the keeper but the same post that had been busy all day got into the limelight once again as it was struck by Carls shot. Both sides had more chances but the half ended 0 – 0
Winstanley had a good chance with a man free down the right hand side but his shot, would you believe it, hit the post. Winstanley committed a few fouls in quick succession which resulted in a four offence penalty for the Relics. Andy Rich stepped up and hit his shot firmly and confidently down to the keeper’s bottom right hand corner, but the keeper had guessed correctly and pulled off a good save. A moral victory for the Relics but the Final score ended up Relics 0 Winstanley 0
So the Relics were unbeaten on the day. After a shaky start they got better every game. Newcomer Carl H made a good impression in his first league games, but the overall winner was the post that was kept busy all morning.
Well done to all the players Eddie (GK), Pete Shev, Mark T, Watford Mark, John H, Alan B, Carl H, Andy Rich and Manager Ken. Thanks for all the support on the sidelines.
Thanks to Nikon Nev for the photos who is now challenging Kodak Keith. ‘
For all the GMWFL Spring 2022 fixtures and results see the Match Centre page here
Bury Relics 