GMWFL Autumn 2024 – Over 70s begin strongly

Bury Relics Over 70’s went into their first set of fixtures of the Greater Manchester Division 1 Walking Football Autumn league campaign still struggling to fill the squad with Tex, Dave M, Ray, Peter and Woggy all unavailable. The fit members of the squad were Eddy (GK), Gerry, Keith B, Bob, JoMo, Kieran and Pat with Keith the Kit Man as Manager.

First up were Tameside with Pat starting on the bench. Tameside started the game by blasting a shot from a free kick just wide of the post. However, that was the only shot they had for the rest of the game as we dominated possession. Gerry and Jomo both had shots from distance before Jomo intercepted a throw out from their keeper from which he rattled the inside of the post from a brilliant effort. Then Keiran set up Keith for a good shot that was saved by the keeper. Gerry then played the ball square to Keiran who flashed a shot across the face. Lastly, Keiran knocked a freekick to Gerry which thumped the post just before the final whistle. A frustrating 0-0 draw, however we started the season off strongly.

Next up were Rochdale with Keith starting on the bench and we carried our good form from the first match into the beginning of this match with Jomo having 2 fine shots after being played in by Bob and then Gerry. Rochdale then got a foothold in the game playing excellent football and keeping possession for long periods. Eddy made 2 good saves with first his feet and then his hands with both going out for corners. We defended well, marshalled by Bob, with Pat covering every blade of astroturf, and held out for another 0-0 draw.

Third up were newly promoted Burnley with Pat starting on the bench. Burnley brought a higher level of physicality into the first division than previously seen but we coped well and played tidy football throughout to dominate the match with Eddy being inactive for the duration. Gerry once again hit the post after an interception and then Jomo blazed over after another good interception from the keeper. The only goal came from a lovely bit of play between Gerry and Jomo which Gerry finished high at the keepers near post leaving him no chance. We continued on the attack with Jomo knocking it up to Kieran who laid it off beautifully for Keith to hit a first time shot which the goalie dealt with well. Relics took all 3 points in a very good display, Bury finishing 1-0 victors.

Our final match versus last season’s league winners, Corinthians, saw Keith on the bench. They started well with 2 good shots on goal but we gradually came into it and an excellent turn and shot at by Gerry at the edge of the box saw us take the lead. Both sides continued to play good football and Corinthians equalized after a very good move. We nearly snatched it with another great piece of play by Gerry ending in his shot just squeezing past the post. A 1-1 draw was a fair result between two good teams.

Overall, another good day of outstanding individual performances with every player performing at the top limit of their abilities to maximise the team’s results of a win and 3 draws which leaves us 2 points behind Corinthians in second place. If we can get anywhere near a full squad out on the field then we will be challenging hard for the title.

Report written by Motherwell Ian.

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