26th March 2025
A rare beautiful day at Heywood welcomed the players for the first games in the newly formed over 75’s league.
The fitness of the players and standard of play was excellent showing that this Division is going to be as strong and competitive as all the other Divisions in the league.
The Relics were impressive from the start in the first game against The Invincibles, keeping possession, and creating chances. Shots from JoMo and Bill early in the game tested the keeper. A great pass from Woggy across the box brought a spectacular shot from JoMo which the keeper saved. Bill, Woggy and JoMo continued to test the Invincible’s keeper who was having a blinder saving the final shot of the first half from JoMo with an out-stretched foot. Half Time 0-0.
The invincibles went ahead, against the run of play, early in the second half. The Relics fought back, with shots from virtually every member of the Relics team. JoMo and Bob had shots saved. Finally the Relics pressure paid off with a great strike from JoMo finally beating the Invincibles keeper. The Relics dominance probably best illustrated by te shot count, which I had at 11-3 in favour of the Relics. But its goals that win games.
Final score 1- 1.
Second game was against Rochdale Strollers, Relics were on top from the start with shots from JoMo, DaMo, and John W. The Relics were totting up the fouls and just before half time gave away a four-foul penalty which was superbly saved by Ed in the Relics goal. Half-time 0-0. The Relics carried on the dominance in the second half with shots from John W, Bob, Bil, DavMo. and JoMo. JoMo came close late in the game when his shot was saved by the Rochdale keeper the ball spun towards the corner of the Rochdale goal but the keeper managed to push it out for a corner. The Relics finally broke the deadlock with JoMo sharp turn and shot on the edge of the box into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. Final score Relics 1-0 .
Last game of the day was against Tameside who were full of confidence from the two victories in their earlier games. The game was a lot closer contested with both teams passing the ball around well. Relics were getting their shots away, with Bill forcing a couple of saves from the Tameside keeper. Bob had a great run from midfield but his shot was saved. Half time 0-0. Possession was shared in the second half with Tameside testing Ed in the Relics goal with a couple of good efforts. Tameside went ahead with a classy goal when the striker, with his back to goal, juggled the ball turn and shot into bottom. Credit to the striker, you won’t see many goals as good as that one. Relics didn’t have time to get the equaliser. Final score Relics 0-1
Well played to all the team today, Ed (GK), Bob, Dave Mo, J Bate, J Cohen, B Horton, John W, Jomo. The opposition goalkeepers played superb preventing the Relics getting more points. Tameside will be a tough test all season.
Bury Relics 