On a bitterly cold April 1st whilst many people were sat at home trying to work out which of their newspapers hilarious articles were in fact ‘April Fools’ or miserably failing to open an app that said ‘Best April Fool Ever’ not realising that it wouldn’t open as that was the joke itself, the Relics over 70’s were at Heywood Sports Centre for the 2nd round of matches in defence of their title.
The GMWFL organisers spared us their usual pre match talk on the latest penalty rules and instead announced that each team manager should select his man of the match to receive an Easter Egg, Schev’s eyes lit up, did this announcement inspire him to lead his defence to four clean sheets thus earning him Manager Ken’s accolade? We will never know, however we are all aware of Schev’s fondness for all things confectionary
Schev after receiving his man of the match reward, dressed as ever for the occasion, hat, scarf, tracky top and leggings, he did remove his gloves for the 1st time to help get to the chocolate
Manager: KenBug: Squad: Eddy (GK) Graham W (C), Pete Schev, Tex, GerryL, Al, Bob,, PeteT
First Game against Winstanley Walkers, Sub PeteT
Relics: 4 shots with 2 on target. Winstanley: 4 shots with 2 on target. Final Score 0 – 0
There was some good early possession from the opposition that led to very little due to some sound defending and an excellent interception from Schev, as the game progressed the Relics became more dominant, a good passing move resulted in a shot just wide from Al followed by a narrow miss from Graham, against the run of play a quick break from Winstanley produced a shot that was well saved with his feet by Eddie. Gerry was dominant in midfield and was ably assisted by Al covering lots of ground, a shot from Al was well saved followed by a shot on target by Gerry, the Relics held the ball well but couldn’t quite create another opportunity on goal. With Tex and Schev solid at the back, opposition chances were limited. Final score 0 – 0 Relics unlucky not to get all 3 points.
Second Game Tameside Striders. Sub Schev
Relics: 8 shots 2 on target. Tameside 4 shots 1 on target Final Score 0 – 0
There was a quick start from Tameside but the Relics soon took control, an excellent ball from Graham resulted in a shot from Gerry being well blocked by a defender, Graham then turned well to shoot side and another turn and shot was well saved by the keeper. On a rare excursion forward Tameside were awarded a controversial free kick that resulted in a shot blocked by Tex and their only shot on target well covered by Eddie. Bury continued to dominate with a shot from Gerry that hit the bar and Tex was unlucky to slip when lining up a shot. There was a moment of farce when a free kick awarded to Bury had to be taken 3 times due to encroachment from Tameside who foolishly argued with the ref contesting his decision. A brilliant 4 man passing move started by Pete finally found Graham at the edge of the box, he hit a strong shot that unfortunately went over the bar over the fencing and out of the ground, there are rumours that the NASA moon launch later that day was delayed due to satellite pictures of Graham’s shot being on the same trajectory the NASA flightpath was meant to take, Graham’s excuse was a ‘bump’ on the finely laid artificial surface. Final score 0 – 0 The Relics deserved all 3 points after a dominant display
Third Game Moston Brook. Sub PeteT
Relics: 7 shots 5 on target. Moston: 8 shots with 6 on target. Final Score 0 – 0
What a game, classic end to end football with both sides contributing to an excellent exhibition of over 70’s walking football. There was too much action to list individual moves, Bury produced shots on target from Schev, Gerry, Graham and Al, at the other end Moston had 6 shots on target 3 of which produced good saves from the ever reliable Eddie. One move from Bury worth commenting on saw a superb ball from Al cutting through the defence to leave Graham free on goal, Graham strolled confidently forward feigned a left foot shot dummied the keeper and slipped a shot into the bottom corner, that’s what usually happens, unfortunately on this occasion that very same bump that foiled Graham in the previous game had mysteriously moved 3 yards to the left causing him to meekly hit his shot wide. Final score 0 – 0 a fair result from an excellent game well played by all players from both sides
Fourth Game Salcom.
Relics: 8 shots 5 on target. Salcom : 3 shots 2 on target. Final Score 2 – 0
A blistering high octane start from the Relics, before Salcom could find their feet Pete released Gerry on the right and his excellent shot raced into the back of the net goal. The Relics dominated midfield and on Salcom’s rare breaks forward Schev and Pete dealt with any threat efficiently. Yet another brilliant passing move involving 4 outfield players released Graham on the edge of the box, this time without a bump in sight Graham casually slotted the ball home to the keeper’s right, goal normal service had resumed. There were further shots from Al who was unlucky to see his shot hit the post and from Graham, Pete and Gerry.Final score 2 – 0, superb performance and a deserved 3 points
A good day’s work from the Relics, 4 clean sheets and 6 well earned points, on another day it could have been 10. Summary from Chairman Keiran “Well done to all concerned, some great performances”
Supporters and officials on the day, Keiran, Pat, KenB. KeithH and AndyR. Report by NevK
Bury Relics 