December 4th 2024 and the final set of division 1 GMWFL fixtures had arrived. On the day, perfect playing conditions greeted the teams; a mild to cool temperature, no wind and no rain. Was this really at Heywood? A short league huddle, orchestrated by Paul, prepared the players and refs for the days play. Bury Relics supporters had turned out in force to watch the Champions elect challenge for the title. The Relics Fan Club included: Keith H, Kev, Ken Bo, Motherwell Ian, Keith B and Tony P. Plus, there may have been others. The squad consisted: Eddy (GK, C), Gerry L, Peter T, Jomo, Dave M, Bob and John W. Manager for the day was Ken Bug, with Keith S as back up.
Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Thameside
To see the highlights of the game, click-here.
To watch the entire match, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 0 – 0 Thameside
Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Rochdale
To see the highlights of the game, including Rochdale’s counter attack goal, click-here.
To watch the entire match, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 0 – 1 Rochdale
Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Burnley
To see the highlights of the game, including penalty saves, click-here.
To watch the entire match, click-here.
Note; apologies, an issue with pause/record buttons meant some play is missing.
Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 0 – 0 Burnley
Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Corinthians
To see the highlights of the game, including Jomo’s sensational penalty, click-here.
To watch the entire match, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 1 – 0 Corinthians
The Bury Relics players played superbly to deservedly sit on top of division 1 as champions. Eddy was superb in goal, saving shots from open play in all games, which was pinnacled with a sublime penalty save against Burnley. Gerry orchestrated attacking play, with names on his passes, and had some powerful shots that were close to goals. Peter T played his pass/move game, mixed in with some resolute challenges that turned over possession back to Relics on several occasions. Jomo was his usual energetic self, with lots of twisting/turning, taking up clever positions to receive the ball and was tenacious all games. Jomo also provided a masterclass in penalty taking (click-here). His brother Dave was excellent too, his play full of accurate passes, many of them first time passes, always making their target. Bob was terrific, defending resolutely and always marking a forward (no easy spaces for them), unless space was available for him to get a pass whilst Relics had possession. Finally, John W was at his best, with his natural place in midfield; breaking up opposition attacks, whilst also being a playmaker, he makes the game look simple. Even though all individual performances were superb, they also gelled well as a team; one good thing was there was no moaning or critic between players. Ken Bug did a good job picking and encouraging the team to win the league. Overall, sensational, the over 70s did fabulously.
Importance of good goalkeepers; Relics are blessed with 2 superb keepers and it makes a massive difference when a keeper is making 4 or 5 quality saves during a set of fixtures. Eddy made a great penalty save that contributed to Relics success today. In addition, a mention should be made of Burnley’s keeper, who made 2 fine saves vs. Corinthians, to deny them a possible win (thus 2 fewer points less for Corinthians). Referees and how they ref also can make a difference. On the day, the 2 refs were consistent but different. One was very careful to catch every offence, whilst the other let the games flow. No complaints at all about either, and Relics were on 3 fouls for about half of the Corinthians game.
I think it’s worth turning up for every final set of fixtures, even just for the Pie and Peas, the Raffle and the presentation. The food is delicious, the people who run it are brilliant and the presentation/photos at the end do it proud-justice. You can see the Bury Relics captain collecting the winning trophy, see-below. Keith H and Motherwell Ian were taking videos/photos of players at the end. It was nice some of the Burnley players came over to shake some of the Bury Relics players hands, despite the fact they finished bottom; an example of being Good sports. It usually is a good day when you win, but this genuinely was a good day for the Relics. Photos by Kodak Keith, Motherwell Ian and videos/report by Dr. John.
Photos
Bury Relics 