The sun has got his hat on, hip-hip-hooray! I drive up and am welcomed into Heywood by the sun wearing Ray-ban sun glasses and 2 trees in full pink blossom glory. These were good conditions for the Bury Relics stripes to produce high quality walking football, to build on their solid start they made last time out. More importantly, hopefully there was to be no injuries this time.

Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes versus Ribble Valley WFC.
The Bury stripes started well, with good passing and moving, just like in training. A chance was constructed for John M to have a shot at the Ribble goal but it was too high. The subsequent Ribble free-kick did not produce a meaningful attack, and in the following Relics attack, big Andy “van” R up-front, received the ball and was challenged by a Ribble defender. You could audibly hear the crunch of the tackle, but Andy’s feet were quick enough to glide the ball into a goal scoring position whilst remaining on his feet, with only the keeper to beat. Now, it was like the clock had stopped, as when Andy was about to shoot, the Ref belatedly decided to blow his whistle for a free-kick. In truth, the advantage should have been played as it was a goal scoring chance. Now, all the Ribble defence could get back into position to deal with the free-kick. From the following Relics move, Ribble quickly intercepted and passed promptly to their striker up-front, who let fly with a ferocious shot; Eddy was equal to it, to make a terrific save, and soon after Eddy had to make another save. Relics were playing reasonably well but had now given the ball away twice, to present chances to the Ribble. Eddy was keeping the sheet clean. Before half time, there was an improvement by Relics, where they built a chance for John M, who had a decent shot but was just too high. Half time, and Marshal Mont Ken decided to give Keith H a rest as he had worked his socks off up-front, trying to support the Relics midfield. Watford Mark was on in his place. The first shot on goal in the second period went to Ribble, who hit a hard one, low but wide of the goal; Eddy still had to make a dive to be sure. Tony G and Andy were battling well in the middle, trying to wrestle the ball away from the Ribble. From the resulting play, came the moment of the game for the Relics; they had battled hard to release Andy through the middle, with support from John M to his right. Andy “van” R was through on goal, about 6 yards out, and closing in on goal. I could imagine Andy’s brain minions making calculations on the best course of action. Should I shoot high? Low? Pass to John? The minions had their rulers, protractors and theodolites out, and precisely measured the final shot, that was a low and powerful side-foot, to the left of the diving goal-keeper. Goal! It was a great goal by Andy, and a good decoy by John, who had put the defence in 2 minds. The Relics continued to make good chances and John M made a good shot that was saved by their keeper. Then, in the dying moments of the game, one of the Ribble players almost produced a bit of magic, where he received the ball with his back to goal, span, and then hit a good shot that was saved by Eddy. Relief, as that was close. A great first game for the Relics, in terms of the result, but the Ribble had several chances of their own. 1 – 0 to the Stripes.
Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes 1 – 0 Ribble Valley WFC.

Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes versus Wakefield Wanderers Whites.
Wakefield began the game on the front foot, attacking the Relics goal, and only good defending by Wayne prevented a clear shot by the Wakefield attacker. The counter attack by the Relics, involved Andy getting a pass off to John M, who’s shot was blocked. Then, again, possession was regained by the Relics, which led to an Andy dribble and shot, which was also blocked. Wakefield then went down the other end, and produced an “Av It!” shot, to give Relics a free-kick. Then it was the Relics turn for an attack, where Tony G made a nice pass to John M, who made a quick turn and shot, but was unlucky as the keeper got to it. Keith H, not to be outdone by the earlier “Av It”, decided to try one himself, and his reached higher altitude. Then came a great multiple passing move by the Relics, involving Wayne, Keith, Andy and finally to John M, who was clean through on goal, only to be thwarted by the referees whistle for running. Watford Mark was now back on, and he was creating a lot of space for himself on the right, waiting to get a pass. Once he got the ball, he made good use of the possession to find John M in space, who shot was just wide. A good move. Then, after a Wakefield move and shot, Eddy got the ball to Tony G, who made a foray forward down the right side, and had a shot blocked and out for a corner to the Relics. The corner came to nothing but the subsequent Relics attack saw Jomo fire a pass to Mark, who shot wide. Then Wayne turned creator to find Keith H up-front, who fired a decent shot but just whistled wide, grazing the post on the way. Bury looked the better passing team but the foul count had accumulated to 3, and John M was on 2 himself. So, the team played cautiously until the final whistle went, for a 0-0 draw result.
Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes 0 – 0 Wakefield Wanderers Whites.

Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes versus Winstanley Walkers.
The first half was absolutely terrific for the Relics, with the theme of, all hands on deck. Winstanley are a very fit and mobile team and the Relics were marking them well defensively, which was a lot. The Winstanley striker had good ability, with a sharp turn that he employed often, and Eddy was called into action twice from his turn and shots. Great saves by Eddy, and the striker will be disappointed not to have scored at least one of them. Then Eddy was called into action a third time, as Winstanley fashioned another chance, but again Eddy made a good save. Big Andy R was battling away, and he won a free-kick, when their defender put his turbos on, and came from behind to get in front of him to intercept Wayne’s pass. However, the Ref spotted the dragster like pace and awarded the Relics a free-kick for running. The subsequent move came to nothing but what was now evident in the game, Andy was battling hard in midfield and was getting upset by some of the Winstanley tackles. Unfortunately, this led to a brain minion blowing a fuse, and quickly instructing Andy to commit a professional foul on one of their midfielders, who was getting away from him with the ball. The Ref was not happy and it was a free-kick to Winstanley. Then, half time came; The Relics had worked very hard in the first half and did well to come in at 0 – 0. For the second half, Ken re-shuffled the team and early on came the moment that may haunt Wayne and Eddy for a while, as it was severe top-spin that produced the only goal of the game. Winstanley attacked the Relics goal, and a ball was played up to their striker, hard along the turf, but the ball was not precisely passed and Wayne could see the opportunity to intercept by making a challenge. However, at the same time, their striker pictured in his mind, being carried around like a hero, if he could get there first and score to give the win for his team. Well, that did not exactly transpire, but it did lead to the goal. Two feet, one from Wayne and one from their attacker, reached the ball at the same time, but the attacker had more chalk on his toe-caps as the impact put a lot of top-spin on the ball, that Ronnie O’Sullivan will be proud of, and that enabled the ball to bounce like a bouncing bomb, and crucially, bounce over the despairing arms of Eddy the keeper and into the net. It was 1 – 0 to Winstanley. The last 5 minutes of the game showed that Winstanley know how to manage out a game, by not going all out attacking but just keeping possession. This was aided by their fitness as they were able to move around the pitch freely and find space to receive the passes. It should be noted though, one player was a reader of the Beano, and his favourite character must have been Billy Whizz, enough said. Winstanley were the stronger team but Relics were unlucky as Eddy had made several great saves in this game, only to end up being beaten by a top-spin ricochet. Result, 1 – 0 to Winstanley.
Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes 0 – 1 Winstanley Walkers.

The labour and efforts put in by all the team were appreciated. Ken and Keith S did a good job of guiding and organizing the team. Today’s squad consisted: Andy “van” R, John M “jomo”, Keith H, Watford Mark, Tony G, Wayne and Eddie the keeper. Thanks to Keith B for the photos, and a massive thank you to the injured Nev who turned up in his storm trooper boot to cheer on the Relics. Match report by Dr. John.

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

Match Day 2 for the over 65’s started with the Relics unbeaten from Match Day 1, but still in 2nd from bottom spot in the league on a total of four points, one point from each of the Match Day one games. The Relics needed to turn the draws into wins to keep in touch with the league leaders.

The first game was against league leaders Corinthians. The game started well for the Relics with a good period of possession that fizzled out on the edge of the Corinthians area. Corinthians replied with their own period of possession which ended with a shot that went wide.
The Relics started to play some great football and created half a chance for Graham W but the ball just ran away from him. Shortly after Graham was away on a break from the Relics half, one on one with the keeper but the keeper saved Grahams effort, the rebound broke to John W who’s shot was also saved by the keeper. The Relics were really well on top now, playing really good football. Tex had another effort that went just wide, then Graham had another long carry from the half way line and with Corinthians defenders bearing down on him from all angles he shot just wide.
Corinthians had one effort from the left hand side which Gaz got down well to save, then shortly after had a weak shot that went wide.
The Corinthian foul count was mounting up now, and inevitably the four-offence penalty came to the Relics. Graham W stepped up calmly and slotted the ball into the net with power and precision. Relics 1 – 0 up, and thoroughly deserved.
The Relics were soon on 3 foul themselves and in the last couple of minutes, following a nervous spell, committed another which resulted in a penalty for Corinthians which was put away confidently giving Gaz no chance. 1 – 1. Corinthians had snatched a draw at the death and the Relics had drawn again!
Final score Relics 1 – Corinthians 1

The Relics couldn’t carry the great form from the first game into second game against Manchester Senior Citizens. The game was a tight midfield game with the Citizens having the most of the shots, the most notable hitting Gaz’s post. Following a breakaway The Citizens squandered another chance by shooting wide.
The Relics responded with a great shot from JoMo, but that was just wide. The final whistle blew and the Relics had drawn again!
Final score Relics 0 – Citizens 0

The next game was Rochdale, who started the day bottom of the table, but on the same number of points as The Relics. Could the Relics stop the run of draws and get a win?
The Relics were on top for all the game, Graham showed off his footwork skills on the edge of the box but the Rochdale defender managed to get a toe in. The Relics continued to press, and a shot from a tight angle on the right hand side from John W, was initially stopped by the keeper, but JW’s bright new red boots put so much spin on the ball that it rolled back over the keeper into the net. Relics 1 – 0 up.

It wasn’t long before the Relics doubled the lead when a through ball from JoMo found John W free and the new red boots did the trick again. Relics 2 – 0 up, surely they weren’t going to let this lead slip away?

The Relics continued to press with a shot from Pete Shev following a free kick getting blocked. The continual pressure forced an error from Rochdale when a defender running across the box was spotted by the ref, and all of Heywood, resulting in a penalty for the Relics. There were shouts of ‘give it to John’, ‘let john take it’ but John pointed out the Graham W was the penalty taker and left it to him. Graham duly slotted the ball home, but amid all the cheers from the touchline the fans initially missed that the ref had disallowed the goal saying that Graham had taken more than one step. At last the Relics had got a win.
Final score Relics 2 – Rochdale 0

Final game of the day was Preston, and it was Preston who had the first attempt when a man was free on the left, his shot was saved by Gaz. This shook the Relics into action and they started to play with the same confidence, passing and movement, as the previous game. A nice tight turn and shot from Graham went wide. There was a mix up in the Preston defence following the throw out and JoMo pounced on the ball, his shot was too good for the keeper. Relics 1 – Preston 0.
Preston replied with a shot following a free kick that was saved by Gaz. Gaz was called into action again shortly after with another fine save.
The Relics were on top and were awarded a penalty following four fouls from Preston. This time John W stepped up and produced a hat trick for the day leaving the Preston keeper mesmerised by his red boots and rooted to the spot. The Relics could have had a third goal late on when JoMo was free on the left hand side, his shot beat the keeper but thundered against the post and out.
Final score Relics 2 – Preston 0

The Relics ended up unbeaten on the day with a respectable points haul of 8 points which deserved more from the really excellent play. It was a pleasure to watch and if you missed it, well, … make sure you turn up for the next games.

Well done to all the Relics: Gaz (gk), Tex, Tony G, Pete Shev, Graham W, John W, JoMo, Manager Ken

Sorry no photo’s today.

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

Bury Relics over 70’s versus Blackpool.
Just like the previous round of fixtures, angry clouds, cold wind and incessant rain turned up in Heywood, to provide atrocious conditions for both footballers and supporters alike. However, the Relics started the game well and smoothly, like a Mercedes engine where all moving parts gave precise movement and the passing crisp, so much so even Crisp and Dry cooking oil would be proud. This led to a brilliant piece of action; John W made an important interception 8 yards out from Blackpools goal, slightly to the left, the touch was heavy but all players were motionless, as if Captain Kirk had ordered, “phasers on stun Mr. Sulu”, and John strode to the ball and hit a great first time shot, low to the keepers left. His foot must have felt like a golf driver, when you sweetly hit the ball perfectly; Bang! 1 – 0 to the Relics. Blackpool responded and started to knit more passes together, which led to an important block from John W and then Peter A. Now it was Tex’s turn to make a good tackle on the edge of the Relics box, but the ball had so much spin on it, that it went into the Relics box but then came out at another location for the Blackpool player to have a shot, which was blocked brilliantly by Dave M and out for a corner. This corner pinged about like pinball, until it reached Blackpools #9, who hit a perfect toe bung, which came through a crowd of players at speed, like the millennium falcon negotiating an asteroid field; Eddy did not see it and it was Blackpools equalizer, 1 – 1. The next passage of play saw another toe bung, from about the halfway line, which turned out to be a good one, as Eddy had to make a save. The Relics were making attacks of their own, and it was evident that Jerry was working hard up front, to make space for the Relics attacking midfield or receiving the ball and laying it off. Now, the game was getting more competitive, and one of the most spectacular things about this match was the free-fall jumping/diving coming from the Black Pool players. The Relics may have been making the odd foul here and there, but the Salmon like leap reactions to the tackles defied the laws of physics, which states something like “each reaction has an equal and opposite reaction”. Unless the relics were wearing Taser football boots with 240-volt toe caps, this law of physics is wrong. For their own safety, Pool players should wear helmets and parachutes because they reached high altitude when tackled. Unfortunately, this was influencing the Ref, and soon the Relics were looking down a precipice of a 4 foul penalty, so Keith “Ten “ S cleverly made an all important change, that saw the all action hero John W come off, who had unluckily collected 2 fouls, for Pat the Cat at the Back to come on. And Pat was quickly into the action, that saw him make a good play. He had the ball at the back but was coming under pressure from the Blackpool attack, but Pat took his time and made a great and pin-point pass to Tex on the right, who controlled the ball, and hit a great shot across the Blackpool goal, just inches wide. Great effort. Then almost disaster in the last minutes, as Blackpool had a breakaway and took a good shot that was low and across goal. Lucky for the Relics, it hit the post and went wide. The game finished 1 -1.
Bury Relics over 70’s 1 – 1 Blackpool.

Bury Relics over 70’s versus Rochdale Strollers.
This game was a good and even one, with chances for both teams. In the early stages, Tex had a long-range shot, which was blocked, and up the other end, the Rochdale #9 made a nice turn and shot to the righthand side of goal, but Eddy was equal to it. John W was in the thick of the action again, with good tackles in midfield and a shot that was just wide. Then, from a Relics free-kick, John W received the ball and gave it a whack, but it was an “Av It!” shot, which left a football shaped hole in an overhead cloud. Rochdale were countering every Relics attack, and it took a great tackle from Dave M to prevent a goal scoring chance for Rochdale. Tex too was making good blocks to repel the Rochdale attack. Then there was a Blackpool moment for the Relics; I thought Tex had taken tips from Blackpool acrobatics and took a high tumble from a Rochdale tackle; however, he assured me after the game that it was a genuine fall. From the resulting free-kick, Pete played the ball to Tex in space, who hit a powerful shot that was deflected by a defender and then saved by the Rochdale keeper. Then Rochdale went up the other end, for their #9 to shoot wide of goal. More pressure on the Relics goal, led to a fall/slide tackle by Tex that was penalized by the Ref; from the free-kick, came a long range shot that was saved by Eddy. Then came a big chance for the Relics. Dave must have some Klingon friends, who lent him a cloaking device; he was in light years of space up-front, just outside the Rochdale box. Dave received the ball, and hit a looping and curling shot that was going into the far corner, but their keeper parried the shot out to Jerry. The follow up by Jerry was good but not enough to beat their keeper. This was an excellent game, with big chances for both teams to score. Only good individual defending and goal keeping kept the honours even at 0 – 0.
Bury Relics over 70’s 0 – 0 Rochdale Strollers.

Bury Relics over 70’s versus Manchester Senior Citizens.
Strictly come dancing has come to Heywood! The game starts with City’s talented quarterback carrying the ball with great control up to the Relics area. Confronted by Tex, the city player starts to dance, dipping each shoulder in time to imaginary Fox Trot music. Tex liked this, and started to dance with him, dipping his shoulders in time to the City player. It looked hilarious from the touchline, and I am sure Tex just wanted to slide tackle him but such things are not allowed. Eventually Tex got a foot in and it was all over, the dance that is. Pat then made a good tackle and played the ball quickly to Keith B, who then passed it on to Jerry, who had a shot that was saved by their keeper. From the subsequent City play, Keith B made a great interception and immediately hit a powerful shot that hit the RH post of the city goal. A close one and good effort by Keith B. Then it was John W’s turn to fire a shot, who made a good one but it was saved; a corner to the Relics. Pinball ensued, and then a shot from John W again, and it was saved. The Relics were enjoying the majority of play and making more chances to score. This was partly down to the good and clever play of Keith B, who was marking the City quarterback like a shadow; this meant City’s possession was limited. In the last minutes of this game, John W and Jerry both had shots that went wide, which was sandwiched by a City attack and shot by their #7, which was also wide. If this was a boxing match, the result would be a unanimous win for the Relics, but it is not boxing, ergo honours shared with a goalless draw.
Bury Relics over 70’s 0 – 0 Manchester Senior Citizens.

Bury Relics over 70’s versus Preston.
An early Preston attack resulted in a toe bung shot that was saved well by Eddy. Then the Relics worked a chance for themselves, for Keith B, who shot just wide. Then it was the turn of the fastest hat in the north west, who had a shot that Eddy got down to and saved; a good save. Then good interchanges of play at the back from Bury Relics, with Peter A, Dave and eventually Tex working the ball out to John W, who’s shot was just too high and wide of the goal. Then, another attack by the Relics, using free flowing football, led to a Keith shot, which was well saved by their keeper. In the trench warfare midfield battle that had developed, John W was unlucky to be penalized when a Preston player turned into him and John won the ball fairly. However, from the free-kick, the Relics regained possession quickly and a pinpoint pass from Jerry to John W led to a shot that was saved. Tex was having an imperious game at the back for the Relics against Preston, winning multiple tackles to keep the Bury goal safe. One particular one was right on the edge of the area, where nothing else but precision would save the Relics, and Tex obliged; he intercepted fairly and made no mistake, like standing in the box. The last chance of the day went to the Relics and John W, but his first-time shot was not good enough to score. Both teams were soaked and a bit tired from their previous games but it was still a good and entertaining draw, which Bury probably just edged on points.
Bury Relics over 70’s 0 – 0 Preston.

A massive round of applause for the players, who in atrocious conditions produced some good quality football. Also well done to the management and the supporters, that included Ken, Stewart, Kodak keith and Dr. John. The squad consisted: Pat the cat at the back, John W, Keith B, Jerry S, Dave M, Tex, Peter A and Eddie the keeper. Also, thanks to Keith “Ten” S, Ken and Kodak Keith for supplying expert football coaching and the fabulous photos. Match report by Dr. John.

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

Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes versus Ribble Valley WFC.
What a glorious and sun-shining day that greeted the inaugural over 60’s Stripes first ever set of fixtures. In the bright light, the team looked like it had walked out of a Persil advert, with their new brilliant white and blue striped gleaming kits. The Relics tigers roared as the starting whistle blew; the first game was against the Ribble. Relics started brightly, with a couple of passes and then a shot from Andy, that whistled just past the right-hand post. Then, from a subsequent interception by John H, it was Keith H’s turn to have a shot, that was low to the left but the keeper got down to save it. Then there was an exquisite piece of skill by Andy who managed to push the ball to the side, and with the other foot, push the ball beyond the defender, simultaneously gliding past him. Unfortunately, the subsequent pass was intercepted. The Relics were now doing the better, executing some good passing and moving, with Alan being the hub of a lot of the play. This led to a nice turn and shot from Nev, but the shot was not powerful enough to beat their keeper. Both John H and Alan were playing well at the back, starting off moves following Ribble attacks. There was one good attack, when their number seven did a nice dribble from the Ribble, and had a good shot but the accuracy was lacking as it went wide. A foray forward by the Relics led to an Alan shot, which was heading straight into the top corner but alas, the keeper managed to get to it. Beep! Half time. At the break, John H had to come off as he was without his bobble hat, like Samson; to be fair, he had been working so hard, he needed a well-earned breather. Mark came on and this led to a team restructuring, which moved Nev to the back and Mark on the left. Despite the hasty changes, the Relics were still playing well, and Nev had a shot that went high. However, on the subsequent Ribble attack, Nev, while making a good challenge, mistakenly pressed his hyperspace button (does anyone remember the arcade game Defender?) and transported himself into the penalty area. Obviously, he was so concentrated on getting a good challenge in, that he forgot where he was and it was a penalty to the Ribble. The penalty was well taken, low to the keepers left; Eddie had little chance of saving it. 1 – 0 to the Ribble. The deficit made the Relics press the Ribble, and gave the Relics lots of possession, which led to repeated fouls by Ribble. Soon enough, it was 4 fouls and a penalty to the Relics. Andy stepped up and hit a good penalty, high to the keepers right to make it a 1 – 1 score line. Two more events of note in this game were: Watford Mark made a good interception and took a quick shot but was wide, and then was a great tracking back and tackle by Keith H, who made an important interception, probably saving a goal. This was a tough game that ended in a draw but the Stripy Relics had played well.
Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes 1 – 1 Ribble Valley WFC.

Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes versus Wakefield Wanderers Whites.
This game started with a bit of trench warfare, where both teams were pushing forward but without making any incisive or clear-cut chances. However, Wakefield began finding little pockets of space and started to test Eddie in goal. However, he was equal to it on three occasions. Then, the Relics burst into life, and a good one two between Andy and John H, produced a good shot, but the defender just managed to get a block in. Then came the first moment of tragedy; Nev was working hard to find space, and found it four yards outside the box. As the ball was crossed to him, he took a shot and kind of turned at the same time. He missed the ball but Bang, it was like a sniper had taken a shot at him, as he immediately went down in pain; it looked a worrying injury as it could be the Achilles. The Ref sportingly immediately stopped the game and everyone went to Nev’s aid. The organizers, with the help from others including Chris, organized a wheel chair, an ice pack and advice on what Nev should do. It was a downer for everyone as Nev was having a great game, and the Relics were benefiting from his movement. We all wish him a swift and full recovery. The game restarted and then, not too long afterwards, a second moment of tragedy happened, Alan pulled a hamstring and also had to come off. A tough blow for Alan and the team, as like Nev, he was also playing a blinder of a game. For a moment, there was despair among the Relics management and supporters, as there were no more subs. But, drum roll please, Brbrbrbrbrrbbrrbrbrbrbr, super Keith B, stepped out of his reporter outfit, like Clark Kent, and put on Nev’s shirt. Keith B was on for the injured Alan, and that helped save the game for the Relics. Eddie was in form today, and he had to be, as Wakefield were getting shots in but he was saving all of them. In contrast, interchanges between Keith B, Andy and John at the other end, led to a shot that was just wide. In response, Wakefield went on the attack and hit a cracking shot, a daisy cutter, which had to be saved by quick improvisation from Eddie, a save with his legs. A magnificent save to keep it goalless, and that’s how it finished.
Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes 0 – 0 Wakefield Wanderers Whites.

Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes versus Winstanley Walkers.
Right from the kick off, Winstanley were the more alert and made a quick attack that startled the Relics defence; the attacker ran between two defenders and let fly with a shot. On its way towards the goal, the ball managed to take a deflection off a Relics defenders’ foot, hit Eddies foot, which projected the ball upwards onto Eddies hand, and then onto the post and over the head of Eddie and into the net. An unlucky and very Pinball like goal, and a sucker punch to the Relics, but in truth they were not ready at the KO. Winstanley were the sprightlier team and were putting the Relics goal under pressure, and this led to a corner. This culminated in a good shot but Eddie was equal to it and saved. Then there was a spell of 5 minutes or so, where the Relics were under constant pressure, with Eddie making 3 good saves. The problem was, the Relics team were tired and could not make space for any fluent passing to happen. So, it would often end up with Winstanley regaining possession and fashioning more chances but Eddie was playing superb in goal; without his good goal-keeping, on another day it could have been 5 – 0 by now. However, after half time, the Relics started to make good moves again, while the Keiths and John were defending well. This created a good chance for Watford Mark, who hit the shot sweetly but it just went wide of the far post. Another Relics move led to an Andy shot, but this time the shot did not beat their keeper. In between these Relics chances, Eddie made a further 3 saves, one which was superb, with his feet. To sum up, there was little difference in skill factors between the teams but the Winstanley side was fitter, having more energy for the final fixture of the day. Final score was 1 – 0 to Winstanley.
Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes 0 – 1 Winstanley Walkers.

A big thank you for a hard-working effort by the team, they went all in, which was shown by the loss of 2 personnel due to injury. And to Keith S who did a great job of organizing everything and leading the team. Today’s squad consisted: Andy R, John “the bobble hat” H, Alan, Nev, Keith H, Watford Mark, Keith B (who was called into duty after 2 players were injured) and Eddie the keeper. Thanks to Keith B and Dr. John for the photos. Also thank you to Chris, Iain and others who turned up to cheer on the Relics. Everyone wishes Nev and Alan a quick and full recovery. Match report by Dr. John.

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