4th December Greater Manchester Walking Football League Over 60’s Division One played at Heywood Sports Village
The cards were stacked against Bury Relics Over 60’s Whites in their bid to avoid the dreaded drop on the final day of the League One fixtures. The weather was damp and miserable as a depleted squad carrying injuries were forced to play four consecutive games whilst other teams had the advantage of a break
Manager: Ken Buggie. Squad: Eddy Ford (GK), Graham Walton (C), Tony Greenall, Keith Swain, Kevin Amos, Ian McKinnon, Kevin Bates,
First game against Manchester Corinthians. Sub Keith S
Relics: 8 shots with 5 on target. Corinthians: 3 shots with 1 on target Final Score 0 – 0
The Relics set off brightly and remained dominant throughout, good controlled football with passing to feet and creating space, it didn’t take long for openings to appear for both Graham and Ian with respective shots going wide. Further attempts followed with both Kevs having shots saved by the keeper. On the few occasions that Corinthians did break forward Tony was well placed to intercept passes and stop the opponents forwards turning on goal. There were late opportunities with further attempts on goal by both Graham and Graham but to no avail. With the final score of 0 – 0 the Relics can consider themselves unlucky not to come away with all three points.
Second game against Bolton Wanderers. Sub Kev B
Relics: 3 shots all on target. Bolton: 7 shots with 6 on target Final Score 0 – 1
Thanks to Andy R for his summary of the Bolton game:-
Second game v Bolton (one of the top teams in the league, with an England striker), they played so well Ian Mc and Graham tore them apart time and time again, helped by (Blackburn) Kev and Keith S, just behind them.
Ian might have squared for a Graham tap in, he also put the keeper on the deck, only to see a fantastic save (nb Ian was superb) and Graham sent the keeper one way and another, that much so he ended up that far out of his goal we thought he was getting ready for kick off.
The Referee pointed to the spot, but crucially didn’t send him off, which meant he was still there to make yet another fabulous save from the resulting spot kick.
It wasn’t only one way though, Tony G had to mark their top striker, which he did, time after time he somehow blocked his shots, and when he did get through, Eddie showed just why he was last year’s player of the year, with several saves (including a worldie).
Although they eventually lost 0-1, (for me) that was undoubtedly their best display of the season.
Third game against Panthers WFC. Sub Tony G
Relics: 2 shots both on target. Panthers: 7 shots with 3 on target Final Score 0 – 1
After the exertion of the opening 2 games the Relics were starting to look tired, Panthers controlled the game throughout with their man to man marking and passing game seemingly creating chances at will, the Relics worked hard but on this occasion were no match for their opponents, no complaints against the final score of losing 0 – 1
Final game against Burnley Clarets. Sub Kev B
Relics: 5 shots with 1 on target. Clarets: 10 shots with 7 on target Final Score 0 – 1
All credit to the Relics squad in this final game, carrying 2 or 3 injuries they gave their all against a very strong Clarets side of Giants (see comments from Wakefield game at previous session, what do they feed them further up the valley?). Having to play a fourth consecutive game whilst their opponents had the advantage of two breaks it was always going to be an uphill struggle. The Burnley side dominated most of the game, however the Relics did manage to put together one or two passing movements to create chances for Ian and Graham with Keith S and Kev A giving excellent support. I must give a special mention to Tony, carrying a visible groin strain which forced him off in an earlier game he stuck to Burnley’s strong forceful centre forward admirably but all his efforts could not entirely stop the opponent. Eddie too was forced to make a number of good saves. The final score was a 0 – 1 defeat to a Burnley side who were good for their win
As ever excellent turnout for the Relics, Club Official Keiran, spectators Keith H, Ken B, Andy R, Steve H, all of whom weren’t just there for the post match pie and peas. Match report Nev K
Relegation is always a disappointment; however this is a particularly strong division, the Whites can at least look forward to their first ever local derby next season with games against the Stripes, the big question is “Who will manage both sides?”
Bury Relics 