The Relics made a solid start in the defence of their GMWFL Over 70’s title. The Division has been reduced to 4 teams this season so there are only 3 games each match day for the teams.
Although heavy showers were predicted, the players enjoyed a mild sunny day for the opening day of the season, I’m sure there won’t be many of those this autumn.
On to the action and first up was Blackpool. The Relics dominated possession early on in the game but went behind when a Relics defender strayed into the area and gave away a penalty. The penalty was hit with precision and pace and gave Eddie in the Relics net no chance. Relics 1 – 0 down, against the run of play, that wasn’t in the script.
The Relics kept pressing and we’re rewarded with a penalty of their own for under the four offence rule, which John W put away nicely sending the keeper the wrong way. 1 – 1.
The Relics continued to dominate the game and went ahead from a superb goal from JoMo,. relics 2 – 1. Another strike from John W secured the comeback win 3 – 1
Next came newly promoted Tameside, who proved a tough test for the Relics. Relics went behind early on when a shot from the Tameside left was deflected into the Relics net at Eddie’s near post, he got his hand to it but couldn’t keep it out.
The second half was a similar affair with Relics not really getting going and eventually giving away a penalty under the four offence rule. The penalty was well struck but Eddie was equal to it and pulled off a great save to keep the Relics in the game.
Innthe last 5 mins the Relics pushed forward for the equaliser but were left exposed at the back and went 2 – 0 down from a breakaway goal. Final score Relics 0 Tameside 2.
The Relics we’re expecting a tough encounter from the final game of the day against Rochdale who are always well organised and competitive.
The first half was a tight game with the Relics having a number of shots but none beating the keeper.
The Relics got going in the second half against a tiring Rochdale side with 2 goals from John W, one from JoMo and one from Keith B from a superb through ball by Keiran. Not forgetting another four offence penalty save from Eddie, that’s two penalty saves on the day and some great saves in all the games.
Final score Relics 4 – 0 Rochdale.
Well done to all the Players Eddie (gk), Bob D, Dave M, JoMo, John W, Keiran, Keith B and to Manager Keith S. Thanks to Kodak Keith for the photos.
Bury Relics 