GMWFL over 70s final fixtures, date 3rd December 2025.
Bury Relics over 70s squad made history as the first side to win the over 70s league title contested over 12 months (combined spring and autumn sessions). They did it with panache, winning all four of their games on the final day of play.
Before KO, Corinthians were 1 point behind leaders Bury, and to make matters more tricky, 2 of their key players were injured. First, international standard defender Bob was out, he’d hurt his back and JW was suffering painful shin splints but he was determined to play regardless. In any case, the team was still packed full of goal-scoring, creative and defensive talent, so their was a big chance they could maintain their pinnacle position at the top of the league by the end of the day.
The squad chosen for the day was Eddy (GK), John M (C), Graham, Tex, Gerry, John W, Alan and Ken Bug. Manger was Ken Bug, backed up by Keiren and Keith S. Fans included Dr. John, Peter T, Bob and Dave M (plus others).
Playing conditions were superb, not too cold/hot, no wind and no rain, so conditions facilitating high quality football. The first game was against Bury’s biggest challengers, Corinthians, who had beaten Bury in the previous round. Walking football is supposed to be non-contact but the crowd experienced first hand that this is not always the case.
Bury Relics vs. Manchester Corinthians
Good play from both teams but Relics had that little extra ingredient, to give them a crucial and deserved victory. Graham scores twice, one bamboozling the defender with a sharp turn and shot with other foot, and an American Football style tackle on John M sets up a penalty for Graham’s second. To see the highlights and goals, click-here.
To watch the entire match, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics 2 – 0 Manchester Corinthians
Bury Relics vs. Tameside
Eddy had to be sharp in this game as Tameside have a player who can strike the ball very well. Despite that, Bury kept them at arms length and scored by 2 quality strikes by Gerry, who first received a mistaken pass across the area by a defender for the first goal, and later, a wonderful pass up the line by Tex. To see the highlights and goals, click-here.
To watch the entire match, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics 2 – 0 Tameside
Bury Relics vs. Rochdale
This is my favourite over 70s fixture as their is always lots of action and shots, with the recent shootafon fresh in the mind. Bury were clearly the more comfortable team with the ball and creating more of the chances but Rochdale kept plugging away. The difference, in the end, was a measured finish by captain John M, who carefully placed an arc-ed shot slowly into the far corner. It looked like the goalie couldn’t handle the slightly slower pace and high accuracy of the shot; a great goal to give Bury victory. To see the highlights and goal, click-here.
To watch the entire match, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics 1 – 0 Rochdale
Bury Relics vs. Winstanley
The Winstanley team contain several skilful players and play neat, passing football. As a consequence, this was a very even game. Eddy had to be on top form as there were several sharp turns and shots by the opposition. Excellent team work gave Bury victory; for the goal, John M is sharp to get a toe-tackle in, with the ball going to Alan. Then, his sharp/astute pass gets Graham clear in space, with just the keeper to beat. The move happened so quickly, the keeper is not really set and Graham shoots past him. In addition, Eddy makes a fabulous last second penalty save after Relics had accumulated 4 fouls. It was an appropriate finish to the title as Eddy had produced many such good saves throughout the league campaign to supplement the great outfield play.
To see the highlights, goal and penalty save of the game , click-here.
To watch the entire match, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics 1 – 0 Winstanley
It was a great day for Bury Relics football club, as they won the over 70s league in style. All players and staff, throughout the season, deserve credit as this was not easy to do, with at least 2 of the other teams close or equal to Bury’s high quality. You can see the good football team play and individual skill on the videos, and determination by all players, staff and fans, for the team to do well. This combination of factors was the catalyst to the league title success. Obviously, everyone was ecstatic and you can see the smiles as John M picks up the winning trophy (click-here). Here is a photo of the happy team and staff.
In contrast, the performance in the Raffle was atrocious, not one Bury Relics player/ staff won a prize. Luckily, for me, I borrowed a quid off Peter and managed to win on my ticket (at least one of the Bury fans won). The Pie, Peas, beets and cabbage were delicious, so as usual, the league organizers had done a great job. Bury Relics over 70s team start next season as champions and have to try and maintain the high standards they have set.
Report, videos and pics by Dr. John.
Bury Relics 