1st June 2023
The last game day (4 matches) of the Greater Manchester Walking Football League (GMWFL) Spring 2023 season for the Relics over 60’s Whites had the usual drama and controversy.
The Relics started the final day in second spot in the table, one point behind leaders Club Kingsmaid, and on level points, but better goal difference, than third place Wakefield Wanderers.
So, a three way fight for the title was about to unfold …
The first game was the usual high quality game against Kingsmaid, with General Gaz in the Relics goal being called into early action with three good saves. Kingsmaid alo had a shot that hit the post. At the other end Gordon was closed down on the edge of the Kingsmaid are and couldn’t get his shot away. Another Kingsmaid attack, an another shot off the Relics post. A tight move for Kingsmaid on the edge of the Relics area resulted in a Relics player straying into the area for a penalty to Kingsmaid.
The penalty was well struck low into Gaz’s bottom right hand corner and in off the post.
1 – 0 to Kingsmaid. Kingsmaid were soon on top again with a shot well saved by Gaz, and another shot that wa high. Relics finally had a shot in the last seconds that went wide.
Final Score Kingsmaid 1 – 0 Relics
Corinthians up next in what was a niggly game with lots of disputed decisions. Relics were on top for most of this game but couldn’t make the dominance pay with goals.
Ian had a hat trick of attempts, he waltzed down the pitch but his shot was wide, another shot hit the bar and went over, and a great shot was saved.
Dog had his attempts too with a number of shots saved by the Corinthians keeper. Relics dominated but only came away with a point.
Final Score Corinthians 0 – 0 Relics
Relics need a win against bottom club Rochdale in order to stay in contention for second spot. Relics started brightly and a Graham back heel went to Ian who shot wide to the right. Dog had a great chance but the keeper saved with his feet as he diced the wrong way. Ian linked up well with Graham his shot just going outside the right hand post. Ian was also involved in the next chance when he went forward with the ball from the Relics half and passed to Dog on the right hand side of the Rochdale box and with a very calm and composed finish slotted the ball over the floundering Rochdale keeper. Relics 1 – 0.
Ian and Dog combined again a few minutes later. Ian’s pass to Dog, who this time was on the left and side of the area, his chip this time was saved by the keeper, but the ball went back to Dog who chipped the keeper again into the far side of the goal. Two super calm and composed finishes from Dog in a matter of minutes. Relics 2 – 0
Final score Relics 2 – 0 Rochdale
Down to the last game, Relics v Wakefield. Both teams have four points on te day so Relics holding on to second spot on goal difference.
Relics seem to have run out of steam, Wakefield were on top most of the game and went ahead with a shot from the edge of the box high into the net. 1 – 0 to Wakefield.
Relics replied with shots from Kev, and an agonising close effort from Dog that hit the inside of the right hand post and sped across the front of goal, and just as the Relics fans on the side line expected the ball to settle in the left hand corner of the net, the ball went agonisingly across the front of goal and out of play. So close.
Lady Luck deserted the Relics again a few minutes later when a shot hit Gaz’s right hand post, but as he dived, the ball hit his back and rolled into the Relics net. 2 – 0 to Wakefield.
Final score Relics 0 – Wakefield 2
A frustrating day for the Relics, losing second spot in the table in the final game.
Well played everybody in the team, they never gave up.
Gaz (gk), Ian McCann, Kev Amos, Gordon (Dog) Arkwright, Graham, Tony G, Keith S, and Manager Ken Buggie.
Thanks to Kodak Keith Hayes for the photo’s
For all the 2023 fixture and results see the Match Centre page here …
Bury Relics 