The GMWFL for the over 70s have now completed three sessions for March, April and May; Bury Relics 70’s are very much still in the title hunt as they sit proudly in 2^nd place of division 1. Their trademark game is that of good passing team play, some dribbling, stout defending and excellent goalkeeping. Other team strikers must be sighing before every Bury Relics match as it’s unlikely they are going to score any goals. Only Tameside has managed to breach Bury’s ranks and the Relics have the best defensive record in the league, with 10 clean sheets from 12 games after today, and only 2 goals conceded. All other teams have shipped 6 or more goals.

One could argue that the Relics don’t score often enough, usually once a month in fact, but it’s like clockwork and efficient, but when they do score, the goals are fatal to the opposition. If the Relics can find their shooting boots more often in the coming months, even just for one extra goal a month, then the title could be a very real possibility.

Today produced some great football and the 2 no-goals are worth mentioning against Salcom. Ken Bug, who drafted himself into the team because of injury, had 2 goals chalked off. The first seemed a bit harsh as his shot was parried into the air by the goalkeeper (over-head height). The ball was spinning as it came down and bounced into the net. Ken and Bury thought they had scored but the ref said no, it’s a kick-in. Someone said afterwards that this type of decision should be in the attacking teams favour and the goal should stand. I agree as the keeper saved it that way, it’s his fault it got lofted and ended up in the net 😊. I was too far away to see if the other no-goal should have been allowed or not; the ball was called in the area just as it was crossed to Ken, who side-footed in. Goals scored for and against Relics today were both penalties; for Bury for 4x offences and against for a last ditch breakaway tackle from behind. Both penalties were well placed passed the keepers, who both dived the wrong way (Graham scored Bury’s penalty vs. Moston). The entire team played well today to earn a good haul of 5 points.

The squad and staff for the day were as follows: Eddy (GK,C), Alan B, Graham W, Tex, Gerry L, Bob D and Peter T. Player-Manager was Ken Bug, with support from Keith S, Pat F and Keiren T. Supporters included Nev, Frank, Keith H, Ken Bon and others; report is by Dr. John.

Videos of the action are below.

Bury Relics 70’s vs. Winstanley Walkers 70’s
To see the highlights of this match, click-here.
To see the full game, click-here.
Result Bury Relics 70’s 0 – 0 Winstanley Walkers 70’s

Bury Relics 70’s vs. Tameside Striders Blues 70’s
To see the highlights of this match, click-here.
To see the full game, click-here.
Result Bury Relics 70’s 0 – 1 Tameside Striders Blues 70′

Moston Brook FC 70’s vs. Bury Relics 70’s
To see the highlights of this match, including Graham’s penalty, click-here.
To see the full game, click-here.
Result Moston Brook FC 70’s 0 – 1 Bury Relics 70’s

Bury Relics 70’s vs. Salcom 70’s
To see the highlights of this match, which shows the no-goals, click-here.
To see the full game, click-here.
Result Bury Relics 70’s 0 – 0 Salcom 70’s

Bury Relics Over 60 Whites went into their third set of fixtures of their 2026 Greater Manchester Division 2 Walking Football league campaign with a squad of 8 available; Eddy (GK), Ian McCann, Kev A, Danny, Kev B, Tony, Ian McKinnon and Mike. Keiran was Manager.

Game 1 v North Manchester, won 1 – 0. 

The fledgling Mancs are still getting to grips with league football and their keeper now knows what it must have felt like at the Alamo. Every Relics outfield player had at least 2 shots whereas Eddy in goal did not touch the ball. Mike was brilliantly pulling the strings up front continually setting up shooting chances with defenders Danny and Kev A being the main beneficiaries but the keeper kept doing just enough to keep them out. The pressure was immense but we just couldn’t score until midfield powerhouse Ian McCann took matters into his own hands; he picked the ball up in his own half, strode forward and hit a great swerving shot which the diving keeper got a hand to but could not keep it out.

Game 2 v Bury Relics Stripes, won 1 – 0.

The adrenaline was flowing for the start of the ‘derby’ round 2. Most of the play was dominated by the Whites from the two Ian’s in midfield, however chances were kept to a minimum due to some staunch Stripes defending. The only goal of the game came from a well-placed Ian McCann shot following a free kick lay off. The Whites were more up for it and deserved their narrow win.

Game 3 v Preston, drew 0 – 0.

Relics dominated this match much like the two previous matches in this session. Preston didn’t trouble Bury’s goal at all, Ed was tempted to work on his crochet skills but found it too awkward with his gloves on. Meanwhile at the other end all kinds of shenanigans were happening but nothing leading to a clear opportunity on goal but then from nowhere up steps Tony G high on the right wing ignoring his nose bleed from being so far up the pitch he passes one player (with the ball I should point out) passes another and another his hips swaying like a flamenco dancer (the lessons are paying off) the spirit of Georgie Best pushing him right to the edge of the area when… Georgie decided to nip off for a dram.. leaving Tony alone teetering on the edge of the area his feet that were dancing with delight just moments previously just…. stopped …his left foot seemed to have a little argument with his right foot and the ball just dribbled into the area …. I so wanted him to put his laces through it but alas Georgie let him down at the crucial point.

Mike also had a couple of good opportunities but the spirits of football were playing around causing him to stumble in a similar way to Tony and later to launch probably one of the highest shots of the day (usually my speciality) …I found it entertaining… the birds in the nearby trees .. less so.

Then at the other end of the pitch Tony was yet again possessed by the spirit of George Best but this time George had definitely had a few and caused Tony to start dribbling the ball under pressure right on the edge of his own goal area. Now… from a spectator point of view… this was highly entertaining… from a teammate point of view… probably less so… but with neat footwork he nevertheless managed to clear the ball and Pat was able to reopen his eyes and watch the game… which fizzled out into a nil nil.

Game 4 v Wakefield , drew 0 – 0. 

Perhaps the most difficult match of the day but even so Relics were pretty much in charge. Wakefield did have a lot of the ball in Bury’s half but time and again Relics were able to steal it from them and surge forward. 

Ian McKinnon stole the ball in midfield and pushed forward with just a defender to beat with Mike and Ian McCann to his left, to me it felt like he wanted to set himself up for a shot but with supporting players so close by he chose to pass and unfortunately Mike couldn’t quite take it in his stride so he then passed to Ian McCann but the momentum was lost, defenders got back and nothing came of it.

In a similar move Mike found himself through on goal but he took a nudge off the chasing defender just before his shot and it caused him to shoot wide… possibly a dogso?

Meanwhile at the other end Wakefield got their one and only decent shot on goal and it was a doozy fired right at the top right hand corner but Ed made a magnificent full stretch save to thwart them.

It wasn’t all over yet though, Relics pushed yet again, Ian McKinnon found himself right on the edge of the box but had to adjust to put the ball on his left foot and a moment is all a defender needs to spoil the party…another attack thwarted.

Not to be outdone by Tony G’s impressive surge forward in the previous game Ian McKinnon decided to nonchalantly dribble past two players high on the right wing leaving them for dead… I should have mentioned earlier that despite the weather being unusually kind to us on the day there were nevertheless dark storm clouds gathering and this is perhaps why everyone stopped and checked for lightning because they mistook the sound of Ian’s shot on goal for a thunderbolt… Ian’s left foot or Thor’s Hammer as I like to call it ( Mjolnir for the studious) absolutely unleashed …beating the keeper but rattling agonisingly against the underside of the crossbar then catapulting quite some distance back into play. This would turn out to be the highlight of an entertaining match that frustratingly ended nil nil also.

A very successful session for the Whites with, for once, no injuries picked up. They played good football throughout and defended well. The 8 points gained lifted them one spot to 4^th only out the promotion places on goal difference.

Bury Relics Over 60 Stripes went into their third set of fixtures of their 2026 Greater Manchester Division 2 Walking Football league campaign with a squad of 9 available; Keith (GK), Steve M, Ken Bo, Mark T, Steve H, Neville, Iain, Mark E and Andy. Ken Bug was Manager.

Controversy before the start of the session as a Bury Whites player was allegedly seen doing a Southampton style ‘spygate’ by filming the Stripes training session – to add to this Danny joined the Stripes for his warm up!

First game v Manchester Corinthians Final Score 0 – 0

Manager Ken Bug’s concerns that in recent sessions he had lost players to injuries early doors came to the fore when KenBo clashed with an opponent and appeared to have a face injury, luckily Ken brushed it off and continued. Corinthians are a strong side who slightly edged the game, however the Stripes worked hard and restricted the opposition to a few chances. A good move breaking out from the back released KenBo at the edge of the box whose shot was well saved by the keeper. Overall, a well deserved point.

Second game v Bury Relics Whites. Final Score 1 – 0 defeat

The adrenaline was flowing for the start of the ‘derby’ round 2. Most of the play was dominated by the Whites from midfield, however chances were kept to a minimum due to some staunch defending. There was another injury scare when MarkT and IanMcK accidently clashed, Mark stayed down for a while and was subbed but he quickly recovered. The only goal of the game came from a shot following a free kick (Maybe the Blue’s ‘spying’ uncovered a weakness in the Stripes defence, will they appeal to the League?😂) The Whites were more up for it and deserved their narrow win

Third game v Panthers. Final Score 0 – 0

Two well matched sides. The Stripes quickly got over their disappointment from the previous encounter and raised their game, teamwork was good, passing was accurate and few fouls were given away. Chances for both sides were limited, a good ball from defence released Andy whose snap shot was lifted just above the bar. Keith was as reliable as ever in goal when needed. A late break from the Stripes released Andy free on the left however his shot from the outside of his boot drifted wide. Another well earned point

Fourth game v Rochdale Strollers. Final Score 1 – 0 defeat

A game that was sadly dominated by the referee, very early in the game Steve H was ‘blue carded’ to the surprise of everyone, even the opposition couldn’t understand the ref’s decision. Justice was done as the resulting penalty was missed. The Stripes down to 5 men for 4 minutes managed the time well. More controversy followed when the ref stopped the game to seek out the Stripes Management and accused the Stripes players of not understanding the rules. Up against it the Stripes fought on but were defeated by a well taken goal following a free kick.

Final game v Moston Brook. Final Score 0 – 0 

A game of 2 halves against the league leaders. In the first period of the match the Brook’s excellent football created 3 great chances. The first was brilliantly saved by Keith who whilst going to his left stuck out his right hand to stop a shot which had sent him the wrong way. The second was again brilliantly saved by Keith who this time pushed it onto the inside of the post, it went across the goal line to hit the other post before coming back to the scrambling goalie. The third rattled the bar and it looked like it would only be a matter of time before conceding. However, sometimes momentum can turn on small incidents like a strong tackle to get a team going and here it was Nev tracking back the length of the field to get a block in to stop a shot when they had a 2 v 1against our last man. This got the crowd going which had been supplemented by most of the Whites who had played their final game. The support geed up the players who showed great spirit to fight back and not only gain a foothold but dominate the second period of the match. Andy led the line superbly, holding it up and laying it off for Steve M to have two cracking shots which just flew just over the bar and past the post. Mark E also had a couple of his trademark mazy runs, one of which he just ran out of space before the D and the other in which he controversially was knocked from behind. A very deserved draw.

Although 3 points seems a low return it was on a day where the Stripes played the top 4 teams in current league position, they are still only 3 points off promotion. In the next round of fixtures they play the bottom 3 teams who are all well adrift and they could rise up the league if they get their shooting boots on.

Bury Relics Over 65’s went into their second set of fixtures of the Greater Manchester Division 1 Walking Football 2026 league campaign with a squad of 7: Keith G (GK), Ian McCann, Kev Amos, Keith Swain, Dave Luk, Kev Bates and Steve Hassall. Ken Bug was Manager and supporters in attendance were Keiran, Pat, Nev and Kodak Keith on a dry spring day.

First up were Bolton with Keith S starting on the bench. With 4 players unavailable beforehand Steve Hassall was called up for his 65s debut after a string of quality performances for the 60s Stripes and the squad were in good spirits before kick off. However, on his very first involvement Steve pulled up sharply with a problem with his achilles sleeve. He hobbled off gingerly and the team were a bit shell shocked. Keith S replaced him leaving no subs and, after a very, very quick fitness test by Pat, Steve was sent home to rest and Nev was sent to the dressing rooms to get some kit on. Bolton are a strong team and don’t need any encouragement to push home an advantage. They dominated proceedings and Kev B was quickly (pun intended) on 2 fouls and with no sub available yet (Nev’s fast but he’s not that fast) he was unable to make much of a contribution in case he was blue carded. Keith G kept us in it, especially with a great flying save to the top corner, but eventually the pressure told and they scored off a pass interception. As often happens when you are playing catch up we tried to force the game and just before the end racked up our 4^th foul and they duly despatched the penalty. Just as the ref blew for full time Nev turned up with a frustrated Kev B remarking for the first time in his life “How slow is Nev?” A tough 2-0 loss which considering the circumstances was not a bad performance.

Next up were Ribble Valley with Kev A starting on the bench. This was a cagey affair with us in the slight ascendancy. RV didn’t have a shot and we only had 2, a Nev shot on target and a Dave thunderbolt which flew just past the post. A 0-0 draw which was a missed opportunity.

Our third game was against Curzon Ashton with Keith S on the bench. We continued our good form and completely dominated the game. We started well with Ian hitting a tremendous shot which their goalie tipped over the bar and then Kev B having a good turn and shot which the keeper smothered low down. CA then had their only shot of the game when Sainty strode forward and lashed it home low into the bottom corner past a myriad of outstretched legs. We could have dropped our heads but we kept the same level of intensity and created 5 good chances with some excellent passing football, 2 good shots each from Dave and Ian and our best chance was a Kev B solo effort when he beat 3 players and got a shot off only to be denied by the keeper. A hugely unlucky 1-0 loss.

Our fourth and final game was against Preston with Kev A on the bench as he was now carrying a knock. The disappointment of the previous game and the cumulative effect of the day’s events looked to have caught up with us. Preston missed a sitter against the post right at the beginning and before you could say “Usain Bolt” Kev B was on 2 offences leaving KenBug in a quandary of whether to replace him with a player not fully fit. Kev A made up Ken’s mind by bravely volunteering to come on and play in a totally unaccustomed forward role. Our problems were compounded when the Lilywhites dangerous centre forward turned on the edge of the D and slotted it home. Once again we were chasing the game but they killed the game and we only had one shot, from Nev, which was past the post. Just before the final whistle we once again conceded a penalty after a 4^th foul but this time it came back off the post. A deserved 1-0 loss.

1 point from 4 games was a low return for the effort we put in but it is an age old story in football that when you are at the bottom of the league anything that can go wrong usually does. We are now adrift at the bottom with 1 point but as Yazz nearly sang before Simon Cowell changed the lyrics – 

We’ve been beaten down 
To the lowest rung 
Bein’ on the bottom line 
Sure ain’t no fun 

But if we should be demoted 
Huh, from our league
We’ll just drop somewhere else 
And still carry on 

Oh 
(Hold on) hold on 
(Hold on) hold on 
Ooh, aah, baby 

hold on 
(Hold on) ooh ooh aah 

The only way is up, baby 
For the 65s now 
The only way is up, baby 
For the 65s now 

Bury Relics Over 60 Whites went into their second set of fixtures of their 2026 Greater Manchester Division 2 Walking Football league campaign with a squad of 8 available; Eddy (GK), Keith S, Kev A, Danny, Kev B, Tony, Ian McKinnon and Mike. Keiran was Manager.

Game 1 v Rochdale Striders, won 1 – 0. We played well with good pressure from the Whites which led to a mistake in front of goal which Mike capitalised on scoring a great well placed shot. Whites then kept the pressure up to get a well deserved win.

Game 2 v Corinthians, won 1 – 0. A very physical game with lots of barging and running by the opposition but this went against them as they gave away a free kick in a dangerous position, Mike positioned himself to receive the ball from Kev B but Kev noticed that Ian had taken up a great position in front of goal and was surreptitiously pointing to where he wanted the ball, Kev put on his best acting hat and sold the defence the belief that he was going to pass to Mike but then side-footed it to Ian who hammered it home like a nail in the coffin of an estranged relative who’d left him nothing in his will …. Superb goal…. Now I know there was a penalty or two and I think one of them was in this match but we decided we didn’t really need it. Corinthians huffed and puffed and puffed and huffed… but we blew them over.

Game 3 v Panthers, drew 0 – 0. Kev B had our best opportunity with a clear run on goal with just one defender to beat and Keith went past him into a good position so he opted to pass to him but misplaced the pass so Keith struggled to control it and the opportunity went. They had a goal disallowed because the striker’s toe-nail was in the area… we got off lightly…. we were a bit all over the show and glad to get a draw.

Game 4 v Rochdale Striders, lost 2 – 0. Rochdale A-Team brought out the big guns and Hannibal and Mr T proved too powerful for the Whites scoring two well taken goals from the back of a converted van that had been heavily modified with armour-plating and flame-thrower …. they even shot Tony G and he fell to the ground in a heap moaning in agony at potential broken ribs ( or he may have just slipped whilst being nudged but I swear I heard a shot)…strangely the referee chose to not abandon the game and Whites had to accept defeat.

Game 5 v Moston Brook, drew 0 – 0. A true game of walking football, Kieran and sub Kev B both thought it was a short game compared to the others but it just passed quickly due to high quality walking football on show rather than the usual bastardised 5 a side. Matt ,the referee, said afterwards that is what walking football should be like and it was an absolute pleasure to be in charge of the match.

A good day at the office for the Whites, 4 clean sheets and 8 points, lifted them to fifth place in the league and only 2 points off the promotion places. Every player made a positive contribution to some excellent team work.

Chairman Keiran commented “Great commitment and performances today from all involved and results reflect that.” 🙌👍⚽UTR

Bury Relics Over 60 Stripes went into their second set of fixtures of their 2026 Greater Manchester Division 2 Walking Football league campaign with a squad of 8 available; Keith (GK), Steve M, Ken Bo, Mark T, Steve H, Neville, Iain and Andy. Ken was Manager.

Game 1 v North Manchester, won 1 – 0, Stripes dominated the game from start to finish, too many shots to even count, Steve M alone had 8. His goal was well taken, clean through with just the keeper to beat, he feigned a shot and casually pushed the ball into the corner of the net. North Manchester did not have a single shot

Game 2 v Preston, drew 0 – 0, the result did not match the play, Preston’s keeper had the game of his life including 3 outstanding saves, a shot from Iain looked certain to go in but ricocheted from post to post, when called upon the defence marshalled the dangerous Preston forwards efficiently restricting them to just 2 shots both wide of goal

Game 3 v Wakefield, drew 0 – 0 against a strong team, Stripes although on the back foot for some of the game stayed controlled and Keith was there to make saves when needed. A quick break late in the game after some good defending saw KenBo’s shot well saved by the keeper.

Game 4 v Rochdale Striders, won 1 – 0. A surprisingly slow start from the Stripes and some clever defending was needed to prevent Rochdale scoring an early goal. Stripes recovered to play some controlled football with one or two breaks but failed to score. Late on Rochdale produced their 4th foul and Andy easily converted the penalty.

A good day at the office for the Stripes, 4 clean sheets, 8 points that could easily have been 10, lifted them to fourth place in the league and only out of the promotion places on goal difference. Every player made a positive contribution to some excellent team work.Chairman Keiran commented “Great commitment and performances today from all involved and results reflect that.” 🙌👍⚽UTR

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 Over 65’s went into their first set of fixtures of the Greater Manchester Division 1 Walking Football 2026 league campaign with a squad of 8: Eddy (GK), Kev Amos, Keith Swain, Alan, Dave Luk, Tony G, Kev Bates and Andy. Ken Bug was Manager and supporters in attendance were Keiran, Nev and Kenbo on a glorious spring day.

First up were Winstanley with Kev B and Keith starting on the bench. This was a very evenly contested game with chances at a minimum. Winstanley had the first (and their only) chance when a strong shot was saved by Eddy’s legs. We quickly replied when Kev A sent Andy through on the half way line, he expertly kept himself in front of the centre half and dummied the goalie onto the floor, unfortunately his chip shot wasn’t quite high enough and the keeper clawed it down into his midriff. 2 very strong defensive units then dominated until just before the end when Andy slipped Dave in who narrowly put it past the post. A deserved 0-0 draw for both teams.

Next up were Burnley with Kev A and Andy starting on the bench. This was a far more open game with both teams having 4 good chances each. All the Clarets efforts came from their wee striker, memorably named Sonny as by this time the sun was so strong that their keeper had donned his flat cap. He had one hell of a shot on him and Eddy had the game of his life keeping him out and his hands were stinging by the end. We had 4 well created opportunities. Firstly, a passing sequence involving the whole team with Tony laying it off to Dave who came off the right wing to curl it low and hard into the far corner but the keeper made an excellent low diving save to put it round the post. Secondly, Keith set up Dave who blasted it goalwards but the goalie got his body behind it. Thirdly, Keith threaded the ball across to Kev B who was one on one with the keeper, he went for the quick low toe bunger but the keeper deflected it out for a corner with his foot. Lastly, Kev B had another good shot that the keeper turned round for a corner. An excellent, entertaining 0-0 draw.

Our third game of the season was against Blackpool with Kev B and Tony on the bench. Both teams were as poor as each other with wayward passing, miscontrol and weak shots. We only had 2 shots, both off target from Alan, and the game was so low in intensity that it was more interesting watching Kenbo stood with his hands in his pockets and his eyes glazing over than the match. The game was perfectly summed up by one incident near the end. Dave was barged in the back on the halfway line, the whistle blew, and the Relics moved forward. After a quick VAR check, Visually Abysmal Refereeing, the players realised that the foul had actually been awarded to the Tangerines. Their striker, who hadn’t been bothered to track back, was left all alone in oceans of space in our half but in the rush to set him up quickly the free kick was booted far too hard past his outstretched leg and went out of play for a goal kick! A 0-0 bore draw.

Following that showing Game 4 looked challenging against reigning champions Wakefield with Andy and Alan on the bench. However, we came out strongly and matched them for possession and shots with Eddy making some good saves. We had got past the midway point and they were just starting to get frustrated when a lovely intricate move set up a free shot from the edge of the D, it was struck beautifully and whizzed past Eddy who didn’t see it until it bounced out from the stanchion. There had been a battle royale going on between the Two Tony’s with our own Tony G keeping Tony B quieter than usual but some brilliant footwork on the line of the D by Tony B gave him the chance to get a quickfire shot off which Eddy got a hand to but some side spin just took it over the line. It was heartbreaking to lose 2 goals in quick succession after so much good work beforehand but the players did not let their heads drop and the kept fighting on. Just before the final whistle Tony strode forward and slipped it out to Keith who hammered it against the inside of the post and it shot across the face of the goal but never crossed the line. A hard fought 2-0 loss.

Our fifth and final game was against Corinthians with Dave and Kev B on the bench. Two tired teams cancelled each other out. The deadlock was broken when they intercepted a pass in our half and the player struck a crosshot which went in off the post. We nearly equalised late on with an Andy shot but the keeper pulled off a good save. An unlucky 1-0 loss.

A slow start which was similar to most of the other teams. We were competitive in all the games with our only deserved defeat to Wakefield who won 4 and drew 1 on the day so we are in the mix.

OVER 60’s FIRST LEAGUE GAMES
THURSDAY 12th MARCH HEYWOOD

WHITES ( playing in blue)

EDDY FORD
KEITH SWAIN
TONY GREENALL
KEVIN AMOS
IAN McCANN (Not available)
IAN McKINNON
MIKE BARTRAM
DANNY MITTON

Temporary manager Kevin Bates

Substitute Kevin Amos

First game up of the season against North Manchester,newcomers to the league .

Bury played some excellent football in this game and dominated throughout with some good penetrating passing and good off the ball movement but as is the case in a lot of football here at Heywood you can’t relax for a moment, unfortunately the man-marking that had served them well for a long part of the game disappeared in an instant leaving an opposition player unmarked at the back post ( I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve written this previously but it’s getting to the point where it’ll come up in predictive text as an option). A clinical pass and a well placed shot gave Eddy no chance.

Heads only went down temporarily and Bury were back at it , Northern Manchester only had six shots in the game with two on target whereas Bury had eleven shots with five on target.

Mike ,Tony and Ian McKinnon all had shots most of them falling to Ian with five shots, three of which on target ,some absolute zingers coming from his left boot that certainly tested the keeper but the breakthrough came after a neat piece of footwork from Mike who received the ball in a great area just right of centre of the nets and he slotted it in, the keeper did make contact but fumbled it which was unfortunate for him but great for Bury, to be fair their keeper had kept them in it up till that point as Bury could have had three or four but for his efforts.

Bury continued to dominate but just couldn’t get the winner but a point is a point and some very entertaining football.
Final result 
Bury 1 North Manchester 1

_________________________________

Second game up against Bury Stripes

Substitute Keith Swain

The much anticipated “ derby” match.

The crowd grew noticeably larger at the side of the pitch and the Police kept a watchful eye as fans for both teams mingled together , pre-match entertainment was cancelled as Ian Dawson forgot to bring his guitar , the dancing troupe also cancelled at the last moment citing safety concerns .

Whites immediately tried to use psychology to undermine the Stripes by choosing to wear blue but the Stripes were having none of it and donned bright orange bibs , this may have proved decisive. Bury Whites( blues) were obviously dazzled by their opponents attire not to mention their silky foot skills… a very cagey affair ensued …it reminded me of an episode of Father Ted with Dougal trying to outwit his “ counterpart “ during an over 70’s priest’s football match .

Who would blink first?

Well as it turns out the Whites ( blues ) blinked first.

This may come as a shock but … they left a man unmarked at the back post … ironically he’s called Mark ( Thomas ) but the clue inherent in his name was completely lost on the befuddled Whites ( blues) … Eddy tried his best but was dazzled by the orange bib of Mark and the crucial goal was well taken.

From this point on both teams pretty much cancelled each other out, not many shots in total… four for Stripes two of which on target… Two for Whites ( blues ) both on target a couple of crackers , one from Dan from distance and one from Mike but both handled comfortably by Keith in goal.

So First Blood to the Stripes 

Final score 

Bury Whites 0 Bury Stripes 1

———————————————————

Third game up against Preston

Substitute Danny Mitton 

Must admit I was expecting a tough game against Preston as they have some decent players but Bury absolutely dominated this match.

Preston had two shots with one on target saved by Eddy, Bury had nine shots with three on target and some very near misses.

Keith Swain had a great shot saved early on as did Kevin Amos who was pushing up from the back and who also had two other shots off target but Ian McKinnon hit a thunderbolt that rattled off the post and a couple of chances that just wouldn’t go in one of which was a rebound right in front of goal that was just bobbling about too much resulting in a mis-kick that went off target but despite all this Bury kept the pressure up and it was finally rewarded when Ian McKinnon ,with his back to goal on the edge of the area , neatly passed to Mike who had positioned himself just in front of him and who then slotted the ball in past the keeper with a lovely strike.

Bury then closed the game down and Preston didn’t really have any answers.

Final score

Bury 1 Preston 0

———————————————————

Final game against Wakefield 

Substitute Tony Greenall

This was an all hands to the pump type of game for Bury, Wakefield are a class act and know how to keep the ball well the statistics are stark 
Bury zero shots 
Wakefield Ten shots… two on target one hit the post.

Eddy made a couple of excellent saves to keep Bury in it but the telling statistics are the number of shots off target… that was due to formidable defensive work from Danny , Kevin, Keith and Ian.

Tracking and blocking tracking and blocking… superb.

Mike as instructed stayed out of defence not straying past the half way mark this occupied their defender and stopped him joining the attack and acting as a pivot point for Wakefield. I noticed a number of times that they were looking to him as an outlet but Mike had dragged him upfield which made it easier to exploit the resulting space once the ball was recovered but unfortunately due to defending so deep players weren’t able to get up to Mike in time to offer support so it was difficult for him to take advantage of the through ball before the opposition tracked back.
As a result of this excellent team play Bury were able to hold out against a very strong Wakefield team and gain a very respectable draw.

Final score

Bury 0 Wakefield 0

Some very good entertaining football played today in very windy conditions, all played in good humour with great camaraderie. 

Five well earned points 

Report by Kevin Bates