Date; December 21st 2022. The over 60’s Stripes team were very close to finishing runners up in the Spring, just missing out by a single goal. Then, they amassed 13 points from 12 games but today they were sitting in third position on 8 points, only 2 points ahead of bottom placed Wakefield. So, there was the dual potential for Bury Relics Stripes to either finish bottom of the pile, or, with a sensational set of results, finish in runners up position.
Turning up on the day, it was bright sunshine but with a chill in the air. Bury players were warming up, whilst supporters were chatting together. As KO approached, there was an announcement; the Wakefield team was stuck in a several miles tail-back on the motorway. Therefore, Bury were awarded a walkover by the league. In one way, it was an easy 3 points for Bury, but on the other hand, it is far more fun and sporting to win those points by playing football. Discussions followed and there was talk of a scratch team of subs from Ribble and Bolton clubbing together to give Relics a game but, in the end, the Bury manager of the day, sir Pat the Cat, performed his signature infantry style warm up, including the legendary Penguin shoulder shuffle. And this was followed by a session of 3 vs. 3, of attack versus defence, using one goal with Ed in the nets. This meant Bury would be in the football groove for when it was time for their second fixture, and a Referee even ran this mini-kick about to make it even more realistic.
Bury Relics Stripes vs. Wakefield Wanderers Whites
Pat’s warm up and 3 vs. 3; includes an Ed save and a nice Mike finish, click-here.
The final result was a 1-0 win to Bury (*walkover as no show by Wakefield).
Goal: no goals in this game.
Result, Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes 1 – 0 Wakefield Wanderers Whites
Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes versus Bolton Wanderers Whites
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.
The final result was a 1-0 win to Bolton.
Goal: a tremendous strike, Ed had no chance, click-here.
Result, Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes 0 – 1 Bolton Wanderers Whites
Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes versus Ribble Valley WFC
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.
The final result was a 1-0 win to Ribble.
Goal: a sharp strike that was low and hard, click-here.
Result, Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes 0 – 1 Ribble Valley WFC
Bury Relics Stripes vs. Wakefield Wanderers Whites (Friendly)
The Wakefield team arrived and a 15-minute friendly game was played.
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.
The final result was a 1-0 win to Bury.
Goal: an intricate free-kick routine that bamboozled the Wakefield defence.
A great assist by Keith H that was smashed in by Andy R, click-here.
Result, Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes 1 – 0 Wakefield Wanderers Whites (Friendly)
There was a twist of fate: the fact that the walkover for Bury against Wakefield was the same result as the friendly game played. In any case, the end result was that Bury finished third again in the table, collecting 11 points this time around. From a spectator’s perspective, there was some good football coming from the Relics, with good shots from Andy, Keith H, Watford Mark and Mike. Mark T and Pete mostly played defensive today, although Pete’s eyes were watering when he found himself in an advanced position a couple of times to have a shot. Ed made some great saves as well that can be seen in the videos. Mike also showed some great ball control, that on occasion enabled him to weave in and around opponents. Great stuff, and the support was also good, with relatives of Mark T watching, plus Frank, Wayne, Keith S and fast Ken cheering the Relics on. All the players put a lot of effort in today, and the squad consisted: Ed (GK), Mark T, Peter S, Mike, Andy R, Keith H and Watford Mark. Team management and staff: Sir Pat the Cat and Keiren. Report by Dr. John. Happy Christmas.
Bury Relics 