Thursday 13th March 2025
The Relics over 60’s Stripes made a slow start to the 2025 season in the newly extended GMWFL Over 60’s section with 10 teams now in the Division.
First up was SALCOM, with the Relics hoping for a quick start, but it was SALCOM who were on the front foot. Relics keeper Keith G, was tested on a number of occasions but he kept the Relics in contention with some good saves. Both teams were confident in possession but Relics couldn’t turn the possession into shots, which was going to turn out to be the story of the day. Full Time Relics 0 – SALCOM 0
Second game was a tough game against Ribble Valley. Relics were pushed back right from the start, with Keith G in goal kept busy diving to turn the first RV shot round the post for a corner.
It wasn’t log before RV went ahead following a break own the right hand side and a fierce low shot across goal into KG’s bottom right hand corner. 1 – 0 to RV. Relics were finding difficult to create an opening and the second goal for RV wasn’t long in coming. Again from a move down the right hand side. 2-0 to RV. The Relics failed to have any shots Final Score Relics 0 – Ribble Valley 2.
The next game against Bolton wasn’t any easier for the Relics. Although the Relics had a few good chance early in this game with Ken’s shot from a pass by Ian D saved by the Bolton keeper, and another shot from Ian D blocked out for a corner.
The Bolton goal was a bit unlucky for the Relics as Keith G made a great reaction save to a strong shot from the edge of the area. He tipped the shot with an outstretched right hand onto the top right hand corner of the goal post and crossbar, the ball rebounded back to the edge of the area where the Bolton striker made an instinctive shot into the net.
Now for me, I thought the rebound was over head height, and when the striker struck his shot I thought the ball was in the goal area. However the ref didn’t hesitate to give the goal.
On the plus side the Relics managed to create a few good chances Ian D and Steve M getting into some good positions causing problems for the Bolton defence. Steve M in particular making some good chances, but not getting an equaliser.
Final Score Relics 0 – Bolton 1
No rest in between games for the Relics as Rochdale Strollers are next. Rochdale had some good chances but Keith G was equal to them. One hit the post and went out, another hit the bar and went over. At the other end Andy Rich, and Ian D had a shot saved.
as the time rolled on the foul count was going up, and on the stroke of full time Rochdale gave away a four-foul penalty. Up stepped Andy Rich and confidently smashed the ball into the net. Some people were on the pitch, they thought it was all over, Relics had snatched it at the death, but wait …… the referee is coming over …. he disallows the goal saying that Andy had made a backward step before his shot. Groans from the Relics side line but the final score is Relics 0 – Rochdale Strollers 0
Final game is Moston Brook and the Relics at last seem to have found their shooting boots matching the Moston shot count with Andy Rich testing the keeper who knocked his shot out for a corner, a shot from Steve M saved, Mark E hitting the post and out, Mark B forcing a save from the keeper. None of this affecting the score line. Final score Relics 0 – Moston Brook 0
Relics need to work on creating chances/shots with no goals and only 3 points on the day, but this is going to be a long season with lots of twists an turns ahead. Don’t write off the Relics yet.
Well played to all the squad, Keith Gillespie (GK), Mark Thomas, Steve Murphy, Mark Evans, Ken Bond, Ian Dawson, Andy Rich, Mike Bartram. Well done to Manager Ken Buggie assisted by Keith S.
Bury Relics 