Step aside Captain Mainwaring, Sergeant Wilson et al, Bury Relics own Dad’s Army the over 75’s were on parade at Heywood Sports Sports Village ably supported by a small platoon from Salcom (S).
On a cold but mainly sunny day whilst the Govt. and NHS were giving endless advice on how the elderly should stay warm during these cold spells the brave warriors of the Greater Manchester Walking Football League turned out for the final session of the inaugural over 75’s league
With only one point needed out of three games to secure the League Title, Manager Ian’s pre match speech insisted that his team take no risks, keep possession and let the opposition force the game
Keiran Tilley & Bob Daniels (holiday), John Bate (S) (fractured wrist) and Chris (S) were unavailable therefore the squad was Eddy Ford (GK) (C), John Wardle, Dave Morris, John Morris, Pat Fitzgerald, Kevin Longbottom (S), Joe Cohen (S) Bill Horton (S) with Manager: Ian McKinnon.
First Game against The Invincibles, Subs Kev and Pat (Kev on for Joe 2nd half)
Relics: 5 shots with 1 on target. Invincibles: 5 shots with 2 on target. Final Score 0 – 0
Bury started the game in total control with all round good movement and accurate passing to feet, the 1st shot of the game came from an Invincibles corner but was wide of goal. Bury created their own opportunities, a neat passing move resulted in a JoMo shot just wide of goal, quickly followed by another attempt by JoMo easily saved by the keeper. Against the run of play the opposition did have a couple of long range shots at goal but there was no real threat and they were easily covered by Eddy. Another sweeping move from Bury saw a pass from the back to Kev in midfield, he pushed forward and created a chance for John (Woggy) Wardle whose shot was just wide. Final score 0 – 0 probably a fair result, point needed secured.
Second Game Rochdale Strollers. Subs Kev and Pat (Kev on for Joe 2nd half)
Relics: 5 shots 4 on target. Rochdale 8 shots 4 on target Final Score 0 – 0
What a game, both teams contributing to a superb example of over 75’s walking football, early on Bury put together a move of 12 passes starting from keeper Eddy and involving all 5 outfield players resulting in a narrowly wide shot from JoMo. Bury’s build up tended to be slow and methodical from keeper to Billy on the left through to midfield and then patiently waiting from an opportunity to strike, Rochdale were much more direct and quick on the break with their quick footed and tricky number 9 causing numerous problems, however Eddy was well placed for any shots on target. The game continued at a pace with both sides creating goal scoring opportunities. One comical moment towards the end as manager Ian continued the Dads Army theme by doing his Corporal Jones tribute act screaming at the players “don’t panic”, luckily he didn’t follow it up with “they don’t like it up em” Final score 0 – 0, manager Ian commenting that was ‘the best performance of the season’
Final Game Tameside Striders. Subs Woggy and Billy
Relics: 8 shots with 3 on target. Tameside: 3 shots with 2 on target. Final Score 0 – 0
With the league title already secured the manager decided to leave defensive stalwart Billy who had picked up a head knock and midfield dynamo Woggy to save him for the next 70’s outing on the bench , JoMo was moved to the back leaving him to ask Dave “what are you supposed to do in defence?” Dave answered him in the best way possible, giving a superb display of controlled football from the back, distributing the ball and being there as an outlet when there was no opportunity to move the ball forward. Pat on the pitch for the first time made a valuable contribution intercepting one or two Tameside passes. Joe, playing at centre forward was always available and held the ball up well with his back to goal, laying off passes to create goal scoring opportunities. There was one unusual lapse at the back allowing the Tameside forward though on goal with only the keeper to beat, as ever Eddy was there to pull off a good save. JoMo known for his talent as a musician/singer went one step further later in the game to become a dancer as he stood over the ball, unable to find a pass he opted to do a little step over jig much to the amusement of the watching spectators. Final Score 0 – 0, thanks to both teams, entertaining football.
As ever excellent turnout for the Relics, Club Officials Keith S, spectators Keith H, Keith B, Ken Bond, Andy R, Tex, Ken Buggie. (one or two on the touchline did suggest that some supporters were only there for the free pie and pes after the game) Match report by Nev K
The Relics winning ways continued into the hall for the post match food and presentations, with Relics players, officials and spectators claiming at least of the raffle prizes on offer. One touching moment during the presentation came when the two players, of worthy league runners up Rochdale, received their trophy it was announced that they would both be ‘hanging up their boots’ both quite emotional they received a well earned round of applause. Then came the moment we had waited for as captain Eddy received the inaugural over 75’s League Winners Trophy, the first of its kind in the country.
Speaking as a baby from the over 60’s It was a pleasure to witness the skill, fitness and sportsmanship of the Relics over 75’s squad, gentlemen you should be very proud of your achievements and our sponsors Tower Family Healthcare should use you as a primary example of what can be done by continuing to participate in organised sport.
Bury Relics 