GMWFL Spring 2023 – a steady start for the over 70s

On a somber note, there’s recent sad news that the good man and Bury Relics player, Jerry S, passed away. As a little tribute, Jerry’s power stride is shown as the main picture for this report (See).

Bury Relics over 70s were spring and autumn champions in the GMWFL league in 2022. Could they maintain that superiority in the spring 2023 season? The final day of fixtures in December was sensational! Relics were ahead of Rochdale just on goal difference at the start of play, and managed to maintain that advantage by first mirroring results and then drawing the final game against Rochdale to win the league. Absolutely phenomenal! Is it possible this season can be as exciting as the last? Let’s see.

Blackpool Senior Seasider’s versus Bury Relics Over 70’s
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.
The final result was a 0-0 draw.
Goals: no goals in this game.
Result; Blackpool Senior Seasider’s 0 – 0 Bury Relics Over 70’s

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Tameside
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.
The final result was a 2-0 win to Bury.
Goal: anticipation, a quick interception and a smart finish by Jomo to make it 1-0, click-here.
Goal: Jomo passes to Wayne in space, who then fires a low shot to score for 2-0, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 2 – 0 Tameside

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Manchester Corinthians
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.
The final result was a 0-0 draw.
Goal: no goals in this game.
Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 0 – 0 Manchester Corinthians

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Rochdale AFC Strollers
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.
The final result was a 0-0 draw.
Goal: no goals in this game.
Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 0 – 0 Rochdale AFC Strollers

All of the games from today’s fixtures finished goalless, except for Bury’s and Blackpool’s wins against Tameside. Bury scored twice and Blackpool only once, meaning Bury are currently top of the league on goal difference. Although some of the players came off saying their play had been rubbish, watching the videos showed that Bury battled competitively and tried to play good football. Of note, in the first game versus Blackpool, Bury went from 0 to 4 fouls within a few minutes! Also in the Blackpool game, John W had a great shot, where he moved from left to right across the area, some distance out, and arrows a shot heading right towards the top corner. Alas, their keeper makes an equally spectacular high/diving save. And Eddy makes 2 good saves himself: one against Blackpool, and another against Rochdale. The goals are also good, and all can be seen on the videos above. Ken provided a comedy moment, insisting Eddy needed to put on an orange bib for the Rochdale game, despite him already sporting a bright orange goalie top (to be fair to Ken, it was hidden under his coat at the time). Thanks to the squad and staff on the day: Players Eddy (GK), Dave M, Bob, Tex (C), Wayne D, John M (Jomo) and John W. Staff: Ken, Sir Pat and Keith S. The Relics were backed up by good supporters: Keith H, Keith B and his friend Jack. Report and drunken camera work by Dr. John.