Bury Relics over 60’s versus Kingsmaid
Just like last season, the division 1 over 60’s team are in danger of being relegated, with both the Relics and Rochdale teams looking over a cliff edge. As I drive up, Bury Relics and Kingsmaid have just kicked off. Meanwhile, in another area of Manchester, Gaz the keeper had just finished his strawberries and cream, was comfortably nestled into his summer chair and was about to hit the remote switch on the TV control. His 50 inch-flat-screen TV had already been wheeled into the garden, and Gaz was looking forward to watching the Jubilee Red Arrows display on TV. A thunderous buzz can be heard, but it’s not the Red Arrows in #70 formations but it’s Gaz’s phone buzzing; he answers and a loud voice of Keiren the presidente says “Where are you? We are playing football today!”. Gaz almost chokes on his last strawberry but jumps into action. Back in the game in Heywood, with Tex in goal, the Relics and Kingsmaid are playing at 1000 mph, there’s running everywhere but for some mysterious reason, the officials are allowing it. Pete, Kieth S and Terry are doing a sterling job in defence, blocking shots by Kingsmaid. However, eventually, Kingsmaid make an opening and take a good, low shot to the far post, for which Tex makes a tremendous save, full-stretched, to get across the goal and to push the ball wide. That was almost a certain goal, only for Tex’s fabulous save. Talking of goalies, there was a squeal of breaks in the carpark, as if to the sound of “The Professionals” theme, and a Blue Van screeching to a sharp halt; Gaz had arrived. The game continued but it was not all one-way traffic. New Relics players, Ian and Gordon (Dog), were combining well in the middle and putting some attacks together for the Relics, trying to get shots away but no goals as yet. This was a frenzied game, with Kingsmaid going all out for the championship and Relics trying to survive and stay up. Kingsmaid were having more shots but Bury Relics were standing firm to deal with them and playing good football of their own. This pattern of the game continued until the final whistle, and the result was a commendable draw for the Relics, against a very good team.
Bury Relics over 60’s 0-0 Kingsmaid

Bury Relics over 60’s versus Manchester Corinthians
Now Gaz had arrived and was ready, he was re-installed as the Relics keeper and Tex instated as an outfield defender. The next game was not much easier, against the Corinthians, another team in with a chance of a first or second place finish the league. However, the Relics started brightly, by putting some multiple passing moves together, involving Keith, Terry, Dog and Ian. Dog found Ian in some space, who hit a good shot but was saved by the Corinthians keeper. The Corinthians soon hit their stride and were also playing the ball about, with passes reaching their men. But the Relics, out of possession were marking up well against the Corinthians, so there were few shots for Gary to save early on. Bury then had a good attack, with Dog collecting the ball with his back to goal, and using his dribbling skills to make space and take a good shot, but the keeper made the save. Then, the Corinthians replied with an attack of their own, with their tall striker latching on to a pass from the back, and at speed, cruising past a Relics defender, and shooting. Gary had it covered but the outcome was a free-kick to the Relics for running. The Relics had a strong defensive unit and most of the attacking was coming from Ian and Dog, who seemed to have a good understanding of each other. Terry had an opportunity, when bombing forward from the back, but his powerful shot just went wide. Again, like against Kingsmaid, this was a good battling performance and the result was a goalless draw.
Bury Relics over 60’s 0-0 Manchester Corinthians

Bury Relics over 60’s versus Rochdale
This was the big one, as the team the Relics could over-take was Rochdale. However, the task had already become more difficult, as Rochdale had taken 4 points from the first 2 games, whereas the Relics had gained 2. Right from the off, both teams were looking to get the ball forward quickly and to shoot with any half chance. Terry was starting to get some joy down the right-hand side, waiting to collect passes from midfield in space. One from Dog gave Terry a shooting opportunity but the shot was not on target this time. Rochdale in their next spell of possession, found their striker in space, and he rushed forward, only to be thwarted by the Referees whistle for running. Besides, Tex would have been there to intercept if the move had continued. Bury took the free-kick and passed around the team, whilst been quickly closed down by Rochdale players. However, Terry was the outlet, making a darting run down the right-hand side and hitting a tolpedo of a shot that went in off the far post. Unsavable for their keeper, but alas, it was not allowed because Terry was adjudged to have run. However, there was a cruel irony, as on Rochdale’s subsequent attack, their striker burst down the left at pace, with Terry running, trying to keep up with him, only for the Rochdale striker to hit a powerful shot past Gaz, to make it 1-0. It was a surprise that Terry’s earlier attempt was disallowed, yet Rochdale’s almost carbon copy goal was allowed. But that’s football, and I am a Bury Relics fan. The Relics fought hard to try and get an equalizer, but all the shots hit by Ian and Dog, were saved well by their keeper, who had a good game. Gaz was not troubled again in this game, and despite the hard fighting and attempts by the Relics, the game finished 1-0 to Rochdale.
Bury Relics over 60’s 0-1 Rochdale

Bury Relics over 60’s versus Wakefield
Save the best to the last; what a game this was. The play was so open, with attacks from both teams, the game going from end to end. The first goal was a bit generous by the referee, as it was a penalty because one of the Relics players had put a foot in the penalty area. However, if a striker who is bigger and is backing in to you, where else can you go? But it happened and it was a penalty to Wakefield. Gaz made a valiant effort to save, but the striker hit it the other side to score. But after that soft goal, the Relics team started playing really well. Passes from Gaz and the back, from Pete, Keith and Terry were finding Dog, who was then finding Ian. It was great to watch. In fact, Dog was playing a stormer in this game, with some magic glue that meant the ball was stuck to his foot. He was teasing the Wakefield defence, and he made the first Relics goal. He dribbled past his marker, using sublime ball control and clever play, which meant another Wakefield player had to leave Ian and move to Dog, but Dog released to Ian, who shot hard and low, and into the net. 1 goal each, and a fabulous goal for the Relics. But Wakefield was also attacking well, and their strategy was to get the ball to the striker’s feet, who would just sit on the edge of the area. He got the ball with his back to goal, with a Relics defender behind him. However, he turned very sharply and hit a first time shot that was wide of Gaz and into the net. A great goal for Wakefield but not for the Relics. The end-to-end constant attacking football continued from both teams, and again it was the vision and skill of Dog, to see Ian free, and again he played a good ball, that Ian dispatched, low and hard past the despairing dive of the Wakefield keeper. That was 2-2 and a great game, but Wakefield had not finished. Whilst both Bury Relics goals were similar to each other, Wakefield’s 3^rd goal was just like their second. The ball was played up to the striker on the edge of the area, with his back to goal, and in a split second, he had swiveled, made a yard of space to the side, and walloped the ball, that went in high off the far post. An unsavable shot and a great goal for Wakefield but a sucker punch for the Relics. The Relics kept fighting and attacking but the equalizer did not come; the game ended in a loss to Wakefield. However, despite the defeat, this game was fantastic to watch and the Relics fought to the end.
Bury Relics over 60’s 2-3 Wakefield

Pat wrote a nice piece after the games on WhatsApp, and I totally agree with it and almost echo all of it here. It was great to see so many people out to support Bury Relics in a tough predicament, and in such a competitive league. Every player gave 100% in effort, in an attempt to avoid the drop. Although, ultimately, they went down, they went down fighting hard and the prospects for next season look very good. Ken, Keiren and Pat did a great job of organizing and encouraging the team from the side and it was nice to see Mark P down, just after his knee operation in support. Hopefully, his recovery is complete enough for him to play in the future. Tex did a great job for filling in as keeper in the first game, making a fine save, and well done to Gaz for getting down asap, once he understood the games were on. Well done to the team for their fighting efforts, it consisted: Gaz, Tex, Keith S, Pete Shev, Terry, Ian and Gordon (Dog). Thanks to all the supporters who came, that included Mark P, Iain, Watford Mark, Carl, Jerry, Dr. John and others. Report by Dr. John.

After recently purchasing a Spotify subscription, I drove up to a puddle laden Heywood Sports Village car park, listening and humming along to Iron Maiden’s Running Free classic, but what I should have been listening to, was We are the Champions! At that time, I could not predict the Relics were going to be champions but they were in the driving seat, sitting 2 points clear of all other teams, at the top of the table. This was a massive opportunity for Bury Relics to make another successful milestone in their history. There was evidence it had been raining and there were some angry and dark clouds above in the sky, but they were punctured by bright beams of sunshine, which were illuminating the 4G pitches of Heywood. The battleground to the destiny of victory delight or the comfortable mediocracy of runners up was set. One small side note was that Manchester Senior Citizens could not get a team together, so all teams on the day were awarded a 1-0 win as the result against City. Bury Relics arrived to the pitch sporting their blue shirts and a sizable support had turned up to cheer them on. The referee went through his pre-game routine, which included asking the Blackpool players if Eddy the Keepers Orange shirt clash will be a problem; they say no, and the first championship game is under way.

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Blackpool Senior Seasider’s
Keith S, the manager, can be heard encouraging his players to be sharp from the off, and Bury Relics got the game under way. A very simple but nearly effective move gives the Relics a quick first chance. From the kick-off, John W lays it back to Tex, who quickly passes out to the right and Tony, he then plays a quick ball down the line, where Keiren had engineered a bit of space; “whack”! A low hard shot right across the goal was hit, but just flying past the post. A good start for the blues. The subsequent passage of play saw the seasiders pass the ball around but without making any openings, as the Bury defence was standing firm and making challenges. However, after a kick-in and a further cache of Blackpool passes, a player from deep tried his luck from long range, but it was double blocked: first by Bob and then by Tex. From the Preston kick-in, Bob made a perfectly anticipated interception and played the ball to John W, who then delayed his pass to Keiren, waiting for him to get forward. Once Keiren received the pass, he held off his marker, waiting for someone to be free, and his best option was a pass to Bob, who was coming forward to support the attack. However, Blackpool had got back and well organized, and the move fizzled out. Then came a chance for Blackpool from their keeper; he made a long pass out to their #11, who made a deft turn using his instep to take it away from a Bury defender. That close control bought him some space, and he took the opportunity to shoot, but for the Relics, good news, it was wide. Possession exchanged hands several times before Blackpool strung some passes together and got forward. However, this was ended by a perfectly timed tackle by John W, who fairly took the ball of the last Blackpool player, and was suddenly free with acres of green pitch in front of him, as well as Keiren in a more advanced position. However, the turbos had been switched on and the ref decided it was running. From the free-kick, Blackpool made a shot but it was very comfortable for Eddy, who just had to catch it. Then a great move from the Relics; at first it looked like Blackpools press was working and causing congestion at the back for Bury. But Bob saw space down the left wing and John W read the run (fast walk), and played a peach of a ball between 2 blackpool players. Bob was free down the left and he waited for support that came with John W and Keiren. Bury patiently looked for a shooting option, and Tex looked like the man in space, but the pass was not quite right, and Bob had to quickly get back to make sure Blackpool did not get a free shot. The Relics attacked again but Blackpool made another interception and played the ball forward, catching Bob off-balance, who took a stunt man like tumble. Bob was fine but soon in action again, where he was nutmegged by Blackpools #11 but the referee decided he was running during the process. From the resulting free-kick, Tex found Tony free down the right, who then found John W in midfield, who had spotted Bob travelling into the space. A perfectly weighted pass to Bob, gave him time to get his shot away, and it was only inches wide. A good effort. Blackpool now had a spell of pressure, including several free-kicks close to the goal line on the right. Yet, this pressure was not leading to shots or goals; the Relics were standing firm. Eventually, Eddy had possession of the ball and quickly bowled the ball long to John W, who was free on goal on the left. But, alas, the half time whistle went to save Blackpool facing a shot. The half time team talk injected a bit of energy into the team, as the Relics were quickly into the tackle after the break, which caused quick successive changes in possession. Bury Relics goal came from this. Blackpool had won the ball back and their keeper played it out to their defender, who did not measure his subsequent pass properly and played it far too close to John W, who quickly intercepted and played the ball into space, to the middle of the area. The crowd were willing him to shoot, and he obliged, hitting a low and hard powerful side-foot shot to the keepers right and into the net. The crowd cheered, it was a great finish by John, and the Relics had one hand on the league trophy. From the kick-off, Blackpool played several good passes and tried to move forward, but again, the Relics intercepted with Tex, who then had a foray forward, taking a defender on the outside and hitting a powerful shot. It was saved but the ref had decided it was running in any case. Blackpool now enjoyed some possession but as was previous, were not making any clear-cut chances. They again resorted to a long range shot that sailed over the bar. Now it was the turn of Bury to have possession, carefully looking for openings in advanced positions. Keiren was working hard trying to be in a position to receive the ball, and Jerry too was working hard down the right-hand side. Then a triangle of passes from John W to Keiren and then Bob, led to a good chance that Bob just hit over the bar; great move anyway. On the next Relics attack, the ball was played to Jerry on the right, who hit as pile-driver of a shot that just flashed across the goal; another good effort. That was the last meaningful action of the game, and the final whistle went to give Bury Relics victory.
Result; Bury Relics 1-0 Blackpool Senior Seasider’s

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Rochdale Strollers
This game was the big one; as long as Bury did not lose to Rochdale, they are champions. Bury kick-off and are quickly on the attack, with Keiren getting a couple of shots away, the first one blocked and the second one, from a wide position, saved by their keeper. The Rochdale keeper is wide awake though, and immediately plays a long ball down the middle to their #9, who turns sharply and hits a left foot shot just over the bar. Nice power and that chance was direct and out of nothing; danger for the Relics if they are not careful. The Relics have a free-kick as it was high and Tex works the ball to Keiren, who then plays it back to John W, who finds Bob on the left. He looks up and sees Tex joining the attack, and lays a perfect pass for Tex to hit a low and hard speculative shot, that the keeper had to be smartly down to save. A good reply for the Relics. Rochdale then have a spell of possession in the middle, with their #4 turning one way then the other to find a support player. Eventually the ball is worked forward but is intercepted by John W. From an Eddy throw-out, the Relics put another good passing move together, involving the whole team, culminating in John W having some space to shoot; he takes a low hard shot, but the keeper makes a good save. That was a well worked chance by the Relics, and they were close to taking the lead. Then brilliant play from both teams. First it is the Relics putting passes together, which are made possible by the good movement of the team, which leads to minor controversy, when Jerry is body checked. There are several complaints from players and supporters, but the Ref says “play on”, and now Rochdale put 4 passes together, and get the ball quickly up front with their #9. His quick turn puts him with only Eddy to beat, but Eddy is alert and deals with the shot with a quick right hand, to give a corner. That was a good opportunity for them. From the subsequent corner, Bury intercept and have a break on, with John W getting the ball out wide, right side of the box. He spots Bob calling for it across the area, and squares the ball. However, the keeper is alert to it, and intercepts while breaking into a trot. The Ref calls it running by the keeper, and it’s a free-kick to the Relics. From this, the ball is worked to Jerry, who closes one eye to take aim, but the execution is not quite right and it goes over the bar. It’s head height, and Rochdale quickly move forward from the free-kick and shoot, only for Tex to make a good block. Another head-height free-kick and another Rochdale shot, this time Eddy makes a simple save. Then comes a mystery decision. Bury pass and move around the Rochdale end of the pitch, with what looks like good play, then suddenly the whistle goes. It is not clear what the offence was, but at least it was a Relics ball. Then, the Relics enjoy another good spell of pass and move possession, after intercepting Rochdale, which crescendo-ed to a Keiren chance, who hit a powerful shot that was on target but was too close to the keeper. Good power and a decent effort. The first half ends, the second half starts, and play resumes with a similar pattern, with Bury on top. Keiren is seeing a lot of the ball, and making good movement and bringing the midfield into the game. It is great play from the Relics, probing the Rochdale defence, with Keiren, John W and Jerry trying to find an opening to shoot. No luck this time, and Rochdale quickly play the ball down to their #9 striker. He delays for a while with the ball at his feet, then suddenly bursts past Bob and gets a shot away. Eddy saves it, as there are shouts of running. It was not obviously running but it was a fast turn to get the space to shoot. Well done Eddy for making sure and being safe. Relics then played a triangle between Tex, John W and finally Jerry on the right-hand side, who saw the opportunity to shoot, and did. It was on target and for a moment, it looked like it could squirm under the keeper, but alas, not today. The keeper gratefully gathered the ball. On the subsequent Rochdale attack, the keeper rolled the ball to the midfield, who passed back into the defence, and he subsequently hit the line. Neat play by #9 took 2 Relics players out of the picture and he played into the midfield. The midfielder had space to shoot, so a Relics defender closed him down. Instead of shooting, he saw another Rochdale player free on the edge of the Relics area, and played him in. He quickly turned and hit a shot passed Eddy and onto the post. That was Rochdale’s best move and the closest they were to scoring. The game continued with Bury passing and moving well, with Bob, Tex, John W, Jerry and Keiren all passing and moving into the space. No clear-cut shots from this play, and Rochdale were very direct when they intercepted, by getting the ball quickly to their #9, who was using either his quick reflexes or skill to make shots. One such shot, was going into the top corner before Eddy got his hands to it. A good and important save. Then it was a good move from a kick-in by Relics, with Tex playing the ball to John W, who fed Keiren. Tex moved into space, in the centre of goal, and received a lay off from Keiren. He strook the ball hard but it was just too high. John W also had a high shot late on in this game, but that was the last of the action, and the draw meant Bury Relics over 70s were champions.
Result; Bury Relics 0-0 Rochdale Strollers

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Preston
Preston kick-off and put 6 or so passes together, before finally getting the ball up-front to their striker. He manages to turn but he is too close to Bob, who gets a foot in, to take all the sting out of the shot. From the kick-out, Bury put several passes together, but a pass down the line goes astray. Preston now have possession but are intercepted by the Relics. However, while the Relics are passing the ball around the defence, their striker nips in to have a snap shot, which Eddy easily gathers. Nearly a gift for them. Eddy subsequently bowls out wide to Bob, who exquisitely turns his marker to pass the ball into the middle, where John W receives it in acres of space. It appears John W does not realize how much time and space he has, as it was a good shooting chance, but the defence just get back in time to hold him up. The game begins to stutter a bit, with neither team string many passes, but a hopeful ball forward by Preston, puts their striker up against Jerry, who stands firm and prevents him from turning and shooting. From a Preston corner, Bob does well to clear the ball to John W, who tries to get the ball further clear, only to be closed down by Preston, who get a shot away. Eddy is easily behind it to save. Eddy plays a nice long ball up to Keiren who holds it up and lays off to Jerry in the middle, who plays a one-two with John and plays it back to Keiren. Meanwhile, Keith B makes space by taking a defender away, which leaves a space for Jerry to go into. However, the Preston forward spots his chance to intercept and does so, which gives him a run at goal. But disaster is averted in the form of Bob, who quickly gets back to make a challenge. The next passage of play involves both teams playing several passes, and then giving the ball away. On the final occasion, it is Bury who have possession, and work the ball out to John W, who is wide on the left. He sees a half chance, and fires a cruise missile across the goal. It’s spectacular, as the keeper goes sprawling to cover his far post, but it was OK from his point of view as it went wide. Then it was Eddy’s turn to make spectacular saves, denying their #5 twice in quick succession: on the first occasion, their goalkeeper plays it out to their defender, who passes down the line to their striker, who turns and runs without touching the ball, and Bob has to keep up with him, shoulder to shoulder. The Preston striker shoots, but Bob’s big toe makes a telling touch to take all the power out of the shot and enables Eddy just to catch it. Great defending. Then, from Eddy’s throw out, Bury immediately lose the ball, and #5 becomes free and alone on the edge of the box. He is fed and turns to shoot at Eddy, despite the last ditch attempts by Jerry to get back. The shot is powerful and Eddy gets behind it, but there is a top-spin ricochet and the ball could go anywhere. On this occasion, the ball spins and bounces gently against the post and into Eddy’s grateful arms. On the next Bury attack, they win a free-kick, which is well worked by John W, and Keiren, who lays it to Jerry, who hits a hard shot that is only just wide of the top-left hand corner. That’s the last action of the half. The second half starts with an energized Bury Relics team on the attack, with good battling and passing around the Preston area, which ended with a Keith B shot. Then their keeper quickly passes out to wide right, and their player hits a pass right down the middle to a player on the edge of the Relics box. Although he is marked, he makes a good turn and shot, and it’s going in, low to the keepers left. Only a quick and agile dive by Eddy stops the goal and puts the ball out for a corner. A good save indeed by Eddy. Preston lose the ball from the corner, and Eddy plays a good ball to John W in the middle, who first waits and then turns his man and plays a good ball up to Keith B, with a bit of zip. While the ball is travelling to Keith B, John W exploits the small amount of space in front of him and moves into it. Keith, cleverly, hits a first time lay-off back to John, who majestically rifles a shot from distance into the top-right-hand corner of the net. A roar from the Relics supporters ensued, and it was worthy of such celebration, a great move and a sensational strike. Keith B played his part with a deft lay off, and John W absolutely thundered it in; 1-0 to the Relics. The Preston keeper needed a moment of therapy, and just put his hands on his hips in despair. From the centre, Bury regain possession and win a free-kick in an advanced position. Tony puts the ball down and evaluates his options, selecting a pass to John W, who hits a first-time low shot to the keepers left, but he makes the save this time. Several minutes of pinball among both sets of players took place, with neither team making a clear-cut chance. Eventually a chance falls to Keith B on the left of the area, who has found a bit of space, he hits a hard shot but the keeper is equal to it, to make a save. Then, immediately, the ball is down at the Bury end, and Preston’s #7 has a similar chance to Kieth’s, but he hits his chance wide. Then Preston make another chance, which finds their #5 free and one-on-one with only Eddy to beat. He hits a hard shot to the right of Eddy, but Eddy is pin-sharp and gets 2 hands to the shot, pushing the ball wide of the goal. A great save for Eddy. The last few minutes of the game has Preston camped outside the Bury area but with the Relics holding firm and not giving any space away. Following an interception by Bury, a pass is over hit and out for a kick-in, but it does matter as the final whistle goes, and it’s smiles all around for the Bury Relics players and supporters. Bury Relics are confirmed champions of the GMWFL Spring League.
Result; Bury Relics 1-0 Preston

Bury Relics absolutely deserved this, League Champions, undefeated and only conceded 1 goal all season.
The entire team has played well, not just today but for all fixtures in this league. From the defensive players such as Eddy the keeper, Tex, Bob, Tony, Dave, Peter A and Pat, to the midfield battling of John W and Jerry, and the hard-working Keiren and Keith B, who played both up-front and in midfield. John W’s and his red slipper boots provided the goals today but others such as Keiren, Tex and Jerry have also been on the score sheet too this season. Also, the behind the scenes work of manager Keith S and Ken have contributed, guiding and encouraging the team and sorting the formations. A big congratulations and well done to today’s squad: Keiren, Bob, Tex (C), John W, Keith B, Tony, Pat the cat, Jerry and Eddy the keeper. Thank you to the enthusiastic support who turned up, that included Stewart, Carl, Iain and Dave. Report and videos by Dr. John.

Final league table

Video highlights of this fixture’s games
Bury vs. Blackpool click-here
Bury vs. Rochdale click-here
Bury vs. Preston click-here
Video of just the goals click-here
Montage of Eddy saves click-here
Tex picking up the trophy click-here

For all the GMWFL Spring 2022 fixtures, results and league tables, see the Match Centre page here

Bury Relics v Wigan Winstanley Walkers in the 2^nd round of the National Cup.

For me it was a straightforward drive to Wigan via 2 motorways, without any particular hazard to impair my progress. Compare that to the team, they had to endure roadworks and diversions around Wigan. However, the sun was shining and all the team had arrived on time despite their difficulties getting here. The warm up was interesting, Gaz came with double gloves, as if he was expecting to be handling hot pizzas from an oven, but he assured me that it was because Wigan had one or two hot strikers. The Wizard of Oz midfielder had turned up complete with his magic red slippers and all the team zipped passes around the pitch and warmed up Gaz in goal. Some preliminaries took place, that included Ken giving the team a battle plan team talk, and then a small tutorial ensued by the referee on what is and what is not allowed. The team was now plugged in, switched on, and ready to go.

First half
The Relics got the game under way and got immediately on the attack. John W (Red slippers) passed the ball centrally up to Graham, who controlled while under pressure, then played the ball back to Jomo in midfield. His return pass back to Graham was partially intercepted, but this did the Relics a favour as that presented a chance for John W to side foot a hard shot just wide of the Winstanley right hand post. A good start. Then, it was the turn of Winstanley to show they can play football too. From a Relics free-kick and subsequent passes, Winstanley intercepted and then cleverly passed the ball around the team, keeping possession, pretty much like the Relics do in training, with the 3 touches rule. The Relics do well to mark them and close down the Winstanley players, and eventually, a tackle from behind gives Winstanley a free-kick. When the Relics regain possession, the adjectives and superlatives to describe the next passage of play include: delicious, sumptuous, sensational and terrific. The Relics pass the ball in between their opponents, whilst simultaneously finding space. Passing interchanges between Jomo, John W, Stewart and finally to Graham up-front. All of a sudden, a spotlight appears on Graham, like at a Rock concert, he uses his guile and skill, first to trick the defender by looking to pass it back into midfield but instead turning his defender, so that he is now one on one with the keeper. He then dummies the keeper by feigning a shot, and then moves the ball to his left as the keeper makes a dive down, then Graham nonchalantly aims a delicate shot to the other side of the goal. Lots of Oohs from the supporters; It was almost a sensational goal, but the ball ends up kissing the right-hand post, and it remained 0 – 0. However, the relics were now passing well and talking to each other. Gaz plays the ball out to Jomo, who passes to Stewart via John W and then to Tex, who spots a gap and drives forward into the space. He spots Jomo further forward and feeds him the ball. Jomo decides he hasn’t enough space to shoot, so plays the ball back into midfield, to John W, who is advancing towards goal. He then plays an accurate pass to Graham, who plays it back to him. John W then “twinkle toes” it, in his red slippers, past a static Winstanley defence, to score a good goal. John W controls it with his left, and then right side foots a shot under the dive of the Winstanley keeper, to give a well-deserved 1 – 0 lead for the Relics.

From the kick-off, Winstanley are straight on the attack and Tex does well at centre back to take the ball away from the attacker who attempted to take him on. He then had the presence of mind to play a quick ball to Jomo, who had multiple defenders chasing him, like stewards chasing an on-pitch streaker. However, Jomo manages to make space for himself to take a shot, but the Ref adjudged it as running. In the subsequent play, Relics managed to get the ball back to Gaz in goal, who played a sublime pass down the middle to Graham, who hit a first time pass to Stewart. Then the Winstanley defence decided to admire Stewarts movement forward and not to challenge or meet him; that was a risky move, as Stewart can be deadly with his shots, and so he let fly, for the ball just to go wide. Winstanley now have a small period of possession that is broken up by a good challenge by Graham, who is fighting hard. The ball breaks to Tex, who plays the ball to Graham, who looks to shoot with his right, to put the defender off, and then cutting inside and shooting with his left. A good effort but not enough power to beat the keeper. Then a similar situation occurs, when the Relics manage to intercept the ball from Winstanley, who have just made several passes, for the Relics to then pass around the whole team, patiently trying to find an opening. On this occasion, Winstanley regain possession but still, it was great passing by the Relics. Then there was good fortune on two counts for Winstanley; the first was when a Winstanley defender tries to dribble the ball out of defence, using his skill and also pace. He gets passed one Relics player but his touch is too strong and Stewart nips in to intercept. The Winstanley player looked like he was running to me, but the Ref adjudged that it was Stewart running, a free-kick to Winstanley. Winstanley then played several passes, and the formation meant that the defender of Winstanley had moved forward and spotted he may be able to get goal side of Stewart. But Stewart was aware of this and started to move back to mark him. However, it was an unlucky trip by Stewart that meant the player was free to hit a first-time shot past Gaz to equalize for Winstanley. Very unlucky for the Relics and against the run of play but a good finish from their player. The score was now 1 each.

From the kick-off, another chance to the Relics when John W finds Graham up-front, who takes his time to assess all his options. He decides on turning and shooting, and nearly a goal, but for a deflection and good save by their keeper. Then, yet another chance for the Relics, this time John W plays a one-two with Jomo, and hits a powerful drive just wide. The subsequent move for the Relics ends with a Jomo powerful shot, but into the keeper’s hands. Their keeper spots a Winstanley attacker on the right side, in a bit of space, and bowls the ball to his feet. Tex is about a yard away, when the attacker moves forward and knocks the ball past one side of Tex, and runs around the other side of Tex, trying to catch the ball. As the attacker is moving at pace to get to his own ball (speed up Benny Hill style), many of the Relics players and supporters are already claiming running, but the Ref is unmoved. The attacker gets to the ball and finishes passed a stunned Gaz in goal. That was a controversial goal with Relics players/supporters unhappy but nevertheless, Winstanley are now with a 2 -1 lead.

Things quickly calm down and the Relics concentrate on their play but at the same time, Winstanley seem energized by their second goal. Play becomes a bit scrappy, with possession quickly changing hands, with Winstanley getting on the attack. Two decent blocks by Tex prevent Gaz from getting his oven gloves dirty and then a free-kick to Relics for a Winstanley run. On the subsequent Relics move, there is some juicy and silky skill by Jomo, who uses sublime control to move the ball around a defender and hits a hard shot on target, only for a good save from the Winstanley keeper to preserve their lead. That’s the last interesting action of the half, and the score at half time was 2 – 1 to Winstanley.

Second half
The beginning of the second half shows the best Winstanley move of the game, where they intercept the ball from the Relics, and quickly pass it down the line on the Winstanley right wing. The Winstanley player receives the ball almost on the byline and plays a great and low cross, right across the area, for an advanced Winstanley player to hit a first time shot, hard and onto to the crossbar. If that was on target, it will have been a tremendous save by Gaz to keep that out. As it was, a let off for the Relics. Winstanley must have had their Lucozade as they were keeping possession well in the first part of this half. However, Relics were pressing them well, with good vocal instruction and support from Ken, Keiren and Keith on the side. Winstanley again tried to create chances only for the Relics to intercept and play a ball to Jomo in midfield, who took a touch to steady himself, and then let fly with a long range shot that had their keeper sprawling to his left; it was just wide but very close. In the subsequent play, the Relics were marking up perfectly, that meant their keeper panicked a little, and put the ball straight out of play. A battle was brewing in midfield, where both teams were trying to gain possession and create openings. Good passing between Stewart and Pete, and then a pass up-front, led to a kick-in to the Relics. More good passing, culminating in a pass up to Graham, who spotted that Jomo was free of his marker and had now moved to the edge of the box. Jomo received the ball from Graham, and tried to place a shot, low to the right-hand side of goal. So close, as the ball pings off the post and goes wide. Interchanges in possession now occurs and serves as a prelude to some nice play by Pete, who, with his razor-sharp reflexes, manages to intercept a pass from their defender and hit a first-time zipper shot into the keeper’s arms. Either side of the keeper and that was a goal, unlucky Peter. And again, an interception by Pete leads to a free-kick to the Relics. This was a clever free-kick. Graham waits for movement, with eventually John W making a move, close to the ball. Graham cleverly taps the ball with his foot, and John W takes over and moves the ball with the defence static, gets free to shoot at goal. As is familiar in this game by now, the shot is good but hits the post and doesn’t go in, and it seems the luck is not with the Relics. However, what transpires next is probably one the best ever walking football corners and goal I’ve seen. There was once recently, where Stewart scored a beauty of a half volley from a corner in another game. But this was just as good. John W used his magic red slippers to provide a perfectly weighted cross that was about a foot off the ground. Graham was in a perfect position on the edge of the area to receive the ball, who side-foot volleyed the ball passed the keeper, who had no chance at all. A roar of appreciation from the Relics players and supporters; that was an excellent equalizer for 2 -2.

Play continued with Winstanley winning a kick-in at a defensive position. However, once they passed forward, they lost possession and the Relics team quickly moved the ball up-front, which was passed back to John W in midfield. He looked up and saw that he had time to shoot, so he loaded up his right foot and hit a powerful shot that the keeper got a hand to. Then, in another Relics attack, a free-kick was won. Graham and John W were again the architects, and a vicious shot by John W shuddered against the right-hand post. Great power and very close to a goal for the Relics. Again, it was another free-kick to the Relics for a Winstanley hand ball. This time, an interchange between Graham and Stewart gave the latter a chance of a shot, and Stewart made no mistake, hitting an arrow of a shot high and over the keeper into the net. A sensational strike and now the Relics leading at 3 – 2.

Then, on the next attack, it was time for a bit of luck for the Relics. Most of the move was not down to luck but good play, which started with Pete winning the ball from a Winstanley player, and quickly playing an accurate pass to Graham up-front. He looked up and could see the dazzling red of John W’s slippers in space. Graham played a quick ball, that enabled John to hit a powerful shot first time at the Winstanley goal. Usually, the ball would spin wide, hit the post or the keeper would save, but not this time. The shot was into the midriff area of the keeper, who got both hands on it. However, the power on the shot took the ball vertically up with spin, and as gravity pulled the ball down, the ball bounced and span promptly into the net, just as the keeper was looking to see where it had gone. Despair for Winstanley but ecstasy for the Relics, who were now 4 – 2 in front.

Winstanley did try and press forward to get a goal back, but the Relics kept intercepting and getting the ball forward. The last action of the game was exactly this; Relics winning the ball back and playing it up to Graham, who had a shot that was defected and into the keeper’s arms. The final whistle went soon after and the result was a 4 – 2 win for Bury Relics.
Final Score; Bury Relics 4, Wigan Winstanley Walkers 2.

The Relics were the dominant side in this game and played some excellent football, while Winstanley gave a good account of themselves, with a couple of well worked chances themselves. That said, Bury were mostly on top in this, and had around 20 shots to Winstanley’s 5, so it was a well-deserved win. Recently, the Relics had had some bad luck with decisions and at one point, it looked like something similar could happen here. However, the Relics did not let it affect them, and it was a credit to everyone that they got on with the game and concentrated hard to produce a good team performance.

Thank you for all the efforts by today’s squad, which consisted: John M “Jomo”, Graham W, Stewart W, Pete S, Tex, John W (red slippers) and oven-glove Gaz the keeper. Also, thanks to Ken the manager who did a good job, providing a good game plan and encouraging the team from the side. Additional support and assistance were given by Keiren and Keith S on the side-lines. A big thank you to Winstanley, who provided a ref, changing facilities, nice brews and tasty biscuits afterward; they made the Relics feel welcome. Match report by Dr. John.

Video highlights, first half, click here
Video highlights, second half, click here

Match report from Bury Relics v Fleetwood Town Flyers in the 2^nd round of the National Cup.

When turning into the carpark today for this match, I had to check I was not dreaming, as the carpark was full of cars and there were lots of people milling about; I had to check that I had not turned up to a Premier league game by mistake, there were so many people. All was good, and it was the case of multiple games being played at the same time. In the sunshine, nearly all the Relics players and staff, who regularly train and play together, turned up to the support the over 60’s Relics team in the second round of the cup.  

First half
Fleetwood (FW) kicked off the game but Bury Relics quickly gained possession. However, their first move led to a missed placed pass and out for a kick-in to FW. A fast kick-in by Fleetwood catches the Relics off guard, and in the melee that ensued in the Relics defence, one player falls over when trying to get into defensive position, and that left an overload for Fleetwood. The tall Orange boots attacker laid it off to their fast right winger, in acres of space, who hit a hard shot across the goal, very accurately, to score; 1 – 0 to Fleetwood. It was a tremendous strike but with some good fortune for Fleetwood, as an unlucky fall of a Relics defender meant the fast winger was completely free and had time to shoot. This gave Relics a shock and impetus to find an equalizer. This included a move of several passes around the team, involving all outfield players, leading to Graham having a ferocious shot that will have definitely warmed the goalkeeper’s hands, but unfortunately not a goal. The Relics were now looking comfortable in possession, with passes finding their teams mates; this led to a good move with Jomo setting up Graham, but was saved by the keeper. A tackle from behind on Graham gave a free-kick to the Relics. Jomo was thinking fast, and he quickly set up the ball to Terry, who hit a powerful shot that was just blocked by a defender, but a brilliant effort nonetheless. Subsequently, Fleetwood got the ball down the Relics end, which gave centre stage to Keith S, to make a superb tackle on Orange boots, and to stop a possible goal scoring chance. Both teams were playing good passes and finding team mates but both teams were also making tackles, leading to many exchanges in possession. An interception by Terry found Stewart, who then made a good pass inside to Keith but the move broke down, where Fleetwood retreated the ball back to their own keeper. But then, it was superb play by Keith S, who anticipates a Fleetwood pass and intercepts it. But not only does he gain valuable possession for the Relics, he is alert enough to make a prompt goal-scoring chance for graham, by giving him a precise and crisp pass to his feet. Graham takes an expert touch, and then smashes the ball passed a shell-shocked Fleetwood keeper, low to the keepers left, and it bulges into the net; 1 goal each now. All the Relics supporters and ball boys appreciated that, and were clapping and applauding the good play and equalizing goal. Play resumes, and another great move by the Relics; Jomo passes the ball up to graham, who turns and takes the defender away from the onrushing Jomo, who gets a return pass, and he smashed the ball across the goal but just wide. A great move and very close to another goal. And what a move! Terry sets Graham free down the right-hand side, and he looks up, and sees that Stewart has intelligently found space across the other side of the Fleetwood box. So, Graham passes the ball across, for Stewart to make a first and well-timed volley shot, that was just inches over the bar. Very close and a great move. Then, within a minute, Stewart is clean through on goal, and makes a good and powerful shot, but the keeper manages to save it. Now it’s FW on the attack, and Orange boots finds space up-front and tries to turn Terry, but he stands firm and gets a foot in and prevents a goal with a great tackle. Then it’s Orange boots again, as he does some great skill to take on 2 Relics defenders on the edge of the box, and somehow gets free to have a shot. Lucky for the Relics, the shot goes wide but it was very good skill to manufacture that chance. Then disaster strikes, as on the next Fleetwood attack, the fast winger on the right takes on a Relics player at pace on the outside, with a Lee Sharpe like run, moving the ball passed the defender and then striding past to strike the ball hard and accurate across the goal to score. Maybe a hint of running while getting passed the defender but the Ref did not think so. A good goal for them but demoralizing for the Relics, who had been playing fabulous stuff since they conceded early on. Nevertheless, the Relics had a chance to reply in the dying moments of the first half. Keith is set free with a ball down the middle, from about half way, and well ahead of any defender, he does well to make sure he does not break into a run, while approaching the ball. When he reaches it, he steadies himself and shoots hard to the left of the keeper, but the keeper gets a touch on it. The ball ricochets out to Keith, who hits it again, first time, but the shot does not have the pace to reach the goal. Unlucky and a good effort by Keith. A toot on the whistle means it’s half time and 2 – 1 to Fleetwood Flyers.

Second half
Another toot on the Whistle meant it was the second half, with the Relics kicking off and straight on the attack; resulting in a corner to the Relics. Jomo played a short corner to Stewart who, with the knowledge that a defender was close and goal side of him, intelligently played it back. Jomo was incisive with his decision, and took a first-time snap shot at goal, that went across goal and wide. Although it missed, it was superb quick thinking worked effort, with good improvisation for a shot, in a difficult and congested situation. Then Fleetwood attacked, which culminated with their fast winger having a shot, after tussling with Graham. As the shot was saved well by Gary, with an agile and quick dive, there was the obligatory complaint of a foul by the Fleetwood winger but nothing was given, “play on” the Ref said. In the subsequent play, Fleetwood create a chance, but this is blocked by Jomo and out for a corner. From the corner, good Relics play intercepts and releases Stewart down the middle. However, on this occasion, because the ball was running away, Stewart had to run to catch up to it, and that was called Running by the Ref. Unlucky, it was a half chance. Two chances for the Relics in quick succession see both Jomo and Graham shoot just wide. And again, the Relics gain possession, feed the ball to Graham, who makes a good pass to Stewart, who shoots just wide. Then disaster strikes again, when a pass on the left-hand side of the Relics box is played up to the Orange boot player, who turns and bamboozles the defence, to be in space. But the ball is running away from him towards the box. He lunges and gets a toe-poke to take it past Gaz in goal to score. The ball, when it was struck, was right on the edge of the area, and it was hard to see if it was definitely in or outside when struck. The only person to make that decision was the Ref, and he said Goal; 3 – 1 to Fleetwood. A sucker punch as the Relics had been piling on the attacks and been playing well. The subsequent play led to a Fleetwood free-kick, and they passed well around several players, to make space for a player coming up from the back, who shot but was wide. Then it was the Relics turn to attack, and Stewart gets very roughly tackled and takes a tumble. In the Heywood league that will probably be a Blue card for the perpetrator, and the tackle reminded me of something from 11-aside Sunday morning football. Anyway, it was a free-kick and that fired up the Relics. Terry makes a great pass up to Stewart, who turns and is now ahead of his marker. He smashes a shot against the post, which shuddered like a tuning fork. That was an awesome effort and very close. Almost immediately after that chance, the Relics regain possession and feed the ball to Stewart again, he shoots about shoulder height and over the diving keeper, but narrowly wide of the post. The Relics are really pressing to get back into the game. And again, Graham finds some space down the left-hand side, and hits a shot right across the goal, but alas, not on target this time. Fleetwood respond by supplying their #20 with a ball just outside the box; he spins and hits a low and hard shot to Gaz’s right, but Gaz is having none of it, and makes a good save. The Relics reply, with a sublime pass from Jomo to Stewart, who is now one on one with their keeper. He hits a powerful and low shot, but the keeper makes probably one of the best saves of his life. A good chance and a great save. Then, Controversy strikes. Orange boots up front for Fleetwood, gets the ball and takes on a Relics defender and gets past him, using guile but also speed. In response, the Relics defender makes an awesome last-ditch tackle, by poking the ball away, through the attacker’s legs. However, the Ref saw the incident completely differently and awarded Fleetwood a penalty for denying them a goal-scoring chance. I thought it was a great tackle. Fleetwood score the penalty to make it 4 – 1. From the kick-off, the Relics work the ball to Terry, who shoots across their goal and wide; close. Fleetwood attack again, but Pete makes a great challenge against Orange boots; he does not cleanly win the ball, but the challenge is robust enough to put their striker off, and no danger for the Relics. However, orange boots was not satisfied after that and on Fleetwoods subsequent attack, he beat the Relics defence on the left hand side of the box, and scored with a low shot across the goal to the right, to make it 5 -1 to Fleetwood. Relics again toil to get the ball forward and score, but loss of possession gives the ball back to Fleetwood. Then, the Orange boots player holds the ball up well and lays it off to an attacking full back on the left, which leads to another goal. The full-back shoots high above Gary and into the net to make it 6 – 1. And that was that, the final whistle went soon after.

Final Score; Bury Relics over 60’s 1, Fleetwood Town Flyers 6

The Relics made many chances to score, and on another day, the final score could have been much closer to Fleetwood. The quick and incisive passing of the Relics was countered by the artistry and individual skill of some of the Fleetwood players. Another factor were the rules the Relics usually play to in the Heywood league. They are different to those in this cup. Effectively, you can just keep committing offences and not have to worry about 4 fouls and a penalty. In any case, a good effort by the Relics against a good quality team.

Thank you for all the efforts made by all the team. Today’s squad consisted: John M “jomo”, Graham W, Keith S, Terry H, Stewart W, Pete S and Gaz the keeper. Also, thanks to the manager who did a good job; Ken gave good advice and fired up the team. Thanks to Keith H for the great photos, and to applaud a big turnout of supporters, who gave good support, helped muck in as ball-boys and set up the pitch etc. Thanks to Pat, Mandy, Keith and John for doing brews. Match report by Dr. John.