Relics over 65’s played 5 games in the opening session of the 2nd half of the GMWFL division 1 fixtures, the opposition included 4 of the top 5 teams.
17th Sept 2026 at Heywood Sports Centre strong wind and showers
Manager: Ken Buggie:. Squad: Keith Gillespie (GK) Dave Lutkevitch (C), Kevin Bates, Alan Blackley, Tony Greenall, Keith Swain, Ian Calvert, Pete Shev
First Game against Winstanley Walkers, Subs TonyG, IanC
Relics: Only 1 shot off target. Walkers, 9 shots with 4 on target. Final Score 0 – 0
Winstanley started the game on the front foot and continued to dominate throughout, the Relics struggled to cope with the windy conditions over hitting too many passes. The Bury goal was under almost constant pressure, luckily some of their opponents shots were wide and speculative and those on target didn’t cause the keeper too many problems. The Relics did put together one very good passing move from the back including a number of players but the final shot was narrowly wide. Final score 0-0 draw, outplayed but did well to hold on
Second Game Burnley Clarets – Subs KeithS, KevB
Relics 10 shots 6 on target. Burnley 2 shots 1 on target: Final Score 1 – 1
What a contrast to the opening game, the 20 minute break between matches allowed the Relics to regroup and play their best game of the day, the passing was direct and accurate, numerous chances were created and there was some very entertaining football, the highlight came from AlanB, he latched on to an opponent’s pass in midfield and struck an excellent shot wide of the keeper, goal. The pressure continued but the Relics couldn’t turn their domination into goals, then totally against the run of play, a Burnley forward from out of nowhere produced an unstoppable shot. Final score 1-1 Relics play deserved all 3 points
Third Game Blackpool Seasiders – Subs DaveL, Shev
Relics: 3 shots all on target. Blackpool : 6 shots 4 shots all on target. Final Score 0 – 1
The Relics started briskly but couldn’t keep up the momentum from the previous game and soon lost control to their opponents, the game was scrappy with Blackpool edging it leaving the Relics mainly on the back foot, eventually Blackpool pressure paid off and they scored mid game. Bury did put together one or two decent moves but failed to equalise. Final score 0-1 a fair result
Fourth Game: Wakefield Wanderers – Subs KeithS, AlanB
Relics: 4 shots one on target. Wakefield : 5 shots all on target. Final Score 0 – 2
It is easy to see why Wakefield are the runaway leaders in this division, they are a very good team, game management, support off the ball, passing ability, etc. it is difficult to see a flaw in their game. The Relics worked hard and played reasonably well against such well organised opponents and created a couple of half chances. Wakefield scored twice but there was a touch of luck surrounding both of their goals. Final score 0-2, no complaints
Fifth Game: Manchester Corinthians – Subs KeithS, IanC
Relics: 4 shots 1 on target. Corinthians : 5 shots 3 on target. Final Score 0 – 0
Corinthians started the the game on top, to their credit the Relics worked hard and fought their way back into the game and again produced a couple of good moves from the back but failed to convert them into goals, the game was a little scrappy at times, maybe both teams tiring after a long session in difficult playing conditions. Final score 0-0 a fair result
A return of only 3 points albeit against the top teams was on the whole a mediocre performance, there were some fine individual performances, however overall failure to put enough good moves together and convert them to goals cost the Relics dearly. Report NevK, headline courtesy of Kev Bates mate “Hovis Presley”
Bury Relics 