GMWFL Spring 2023 – one point and a third-place finish for the over 70s

Matches played on the 7^th of June 2023.
The final set of fixtures of the Spring league had finally come around, and Bury Relics over 70’s were currently sitting in second position in the league, 3 points behind leaders Blackpool but only just ahead of Corinthians. However, the odds were stacked against the Relics to win the league as several regular key players were missing from the squad. The first game was against the Champions elect, Blackpool.

Blackpool FC SS 70’s versus Bury Relics Over 70’s
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.

Goal: 1-0 to Blackpool. From a free-kick to Blackpool in the final moments, a sucker punch goal! A low shot is hit through a crowd of players, which grazes a spurious knee on its way to goal. No chance of Eddy saving it as the ball skims the left-hand post and in, (click-here).
Result; Blackpool FC SS 70’s 1 – 0 Bury Relics Over 70’s

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Tameside Striders Blues 70’s
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 Tameside Striders Blues 70’s

Manchester Corinthians 70’s versus Bury Relics Over 70’s
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.

Goal: 1-0 to Corinthians; a stray Bury pass in midfield leads to an opportunity for the Corinthians striker, who hits it powerfully over a diving Eddy, (click-here).

Goal: 2-0 to Corinthians; a slick, multi-pass move from the Corinthians results in a good finish high into the net, (click-here).
Result; Manchester Corinthians 70’s 2 – 0 Bury Relics Over 70’s

Rochdale AFC Strollers 70’s versus Bury Relics Over 70’s
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.

Goal: 1-0 to Rochdale; probably a harsh decision as a Bury defender was adjudged to have fouled the Rochdale attacker from behind, apparently denying him a goal-scoring opportunity. However, on the video, you can see another Bury defender has the chance of defending the attack from the front. In any case, the ref decided it’s a Blue-card and a penalty to Rochdale, which is scored, (Click-here).
Rochdale AFC Strollers 70’s 1 – 0 Bury Relics Over 70’s

Bury Relics finished third in the end, after collecting a solitary point from the final days fixtures. Bury did make some good passing moves during the games but struggled to make any clear goal scoring opportunities and did not defend as well as usual. Team for the day was Eddy (GK), Tex (C), Dave M, Tony P, Sir Pat, Keiren and Keith B, with Keith S as manager. Report by Dr. John and pictures by Kodak Keith H.

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