GMWFL Autumn 2024 – Over 65 Champions make a steady start despite players missing

The over 65s defending champions turned up with a squad that consisted: Manager: Ken Buggie, Graham Walton (C), Gaz Sweeney (GK), Keith Swain, Kevin Amos, Dave Lutkevitch, Alan Blackley and Pete Shevtchenko. Players unavailable due to holiday and injury were Ian McCann and Paul Webster. It was a great day weather wise, with moderate sunshine and a nice light breeze.

Game 1 V Preston
This was a dour game with both sides cancelling each other out. Our highlight was Dave Lutkevitch crashing a fierce drive against the Preston post.
Score 0-0 draw

Game 2 V Wakefield
We started quite well against the much-fancied Wakefield side but they became more threatening as the match progressed. Luckily for the Relics, Pete Shev was having a brilliant game against Kim, the star striker from Wakefield, and also Gaz was having a fantastic game in the nets; repelling everything they could throw at us.
Score 0-0 draw

Game 3 V Corinthians
Again, a really tight game flowing from end to end with both sides having half chances but Gaz was more than up to anything they threw at him. The game turned, or rather Graham did, he sold a second dummy to the defender and smashed in with a low left foot drive, leaving the keeper with no chance. Dave Lutkevitch got himself in good positions twice after this but just couldn’t manage the finish. All in all, a pleasing result.
Score 0-1 win to Relics

Game 4 V Bolton Arena
Bolton had more of the play from the off but Relics kept battling and did get into the game more. Gaz, again, was outstanding at times but after a smart move from Bolton could not keep out a good finish. A fair result that reflected the amount of Play Bolton had.
Score 0-1 win to Bolton

The over 65s were missing Ian McCann and Paul Webster. Despite this, the Relics played well overall, in very tight games, and could have had more points but for the goalposts on a couple of occasions. On the other hand, Gaz was outstanding and kept the Relics in it several times today.

Report written by Keiren Tilley

Link to match centre