A synopsis of what happened in the Martin Dawson tournament as provided by Motherwell Ian.
Group A
2-1 Win against Leeds (Kev and Graham)
1-0 Win against Rochdale (Graham)
2-3 Loss against Wakefield (Graham x2)
Finished runners up to Wakefield in group A and went on to play the winners of Group B in the semi-final.
Semi final
1-1 draw against Blackpool (Graham)
Penalty shootout
Blackpool scored
Graham scored
Blackpool scored
Kev past the post
Gaz saved
Keith scored
Sudden death
Blackpool hit post
Ian scored for Bury to win
Final
- 0 Win against Kingsmaid (Graham) to win the tournament.
Bury Relics are the winners!
Selected Comments and report by Kevin Williams
JW comment; Great all-round performance today; a special mention for Graham who scored some good goals, topping it off in the final with his signature goal (getting the keeper to crawl on his belly and then chip him). A result of 1-0, game over and another trophy 🏆 in the cabinet.
Report By Kevin Williams
It was a somewhat disappointing turnout for the 8th Martin Dawson Memorial Trophy, with eight teams taking part on an unsettled day at Heywood Sports Village.
It was disappointing that only 6 of the 20 over 60s teams in the league took part. The biggest problem nowadays is the proliferation of tournaments both in the UK and abroad, meaning most teams are spoilt for choice on which to enter. [Ed]
There is considered opinion amongst some people that the competition, in terms of other tournaments being held throughout the country, is bigger now than it’s ever been. Whatever the case, we can only hope that this annual tradition, so much appreciated by Martin’s lovely family, and by all who wish to support the various charities that have been assisted over the years, can continue into the future.
Those teams that did appear, provided some excellent football throughout; there were some great goals, some very lucky goals, some marvellous passing moves and some comedy thrown in too!
Two groups of four teams battled it out, with the top two qualifying for the Trophy semi-finals, and the bottom two entering the Plate version.
Group Results
Group Tables
Semi Finals & Finals
Kingsmaid saw off Wakefield Wanderers by two goals to nil in the first of the major semis, with Bury Relics joining them after edging past Blackpool Senior Seasiders after a penalty shoot out in the other.
The Plate finalists were decided following an all-Leeds tussle, which was played in a very sporting spirit and was a pleasure to referee, with the Titans overcoming Morley.
Rochdale AFC Strollers were left to rue their ill fortune when being pipped by the one goal from Manchester Corinthians.
Bury Relics proved to be popular winners of the main trophy, just squeezing past a determined Kingsmaid side in the final. Congratulations to the lads who, it seems, everyone knows at the Heywood Sports Village!
Congratulations also to the Corinthians who needed penalties to overcome Leeds Titans, in a tight finish.
The biggest round of applause should go however, to the organisers, referees, supporters, and yes, the players, for a great afternoon’s sport on a typically unpredictable Great British Summer’s afternoon.
Photos by Kodak Keith
Bury Relics 