4th December Greater Manchester Walking Football League Over 60’s Division One played at Heywood Sports Village

The cards were stacked against Bury Relics Over 60’s Whites in their bid to avoid the dreaded drop on the final day of the League One fixtures. The weather was damp and miserable as a depleted squad carrying injuries were forced to play four consecutive games whilst other teams had the advantage of a break

Manager: Ken Buggie. Squad: Eddy Ford (GK), Graham Walton (C), Tony Greenall, Keith Swain, Kevin Amos, Ian McKinnon, Kevin Bates, 

First game against Manchester Corinthians. Sub Keith S

Relics: 8 shots with 5 on target. Corinthians: 3 shots with 1 on target Final Score 0 – 0

The Relics set off brightly and remained dominant throughout, good controlled football with passing to feet and creating space, it didn’t take long for openings to appear for both Graham and Ian with respective shots going wide. Further attempts followed with both Kevs having shots saved by the keeper. On the few occasions that Corinthians did break forward Tony was well placed to intercept passes and stop the opponents forwards turning on goal. There were late opportunities with further attempts on goal by both Graham and Graham but to no avail. With the final score of 0 – 0 the Relics can consider themselves unlucky not to come away with all three points.

Second game against Bolton Wanderers. Sub Kev B

Relics: 3 shots all on target. Bolton: 7 shots with 6 on target Final Score 0 – 1

Thanks to Andy R for his summary of the Bolton game:-

Second game v Bolton (one of the top teams in the league, with an England striker), they played so well Ian Mc and Graham tore them apart time and time again, helped by (Blackburn) Kev and Keith S, just behind them.

Ian might have squared for a Graham tap in, he also put the keeper on the deck, only to see a fantastic save (nb Ian was superb) and Graham sent the keeper one way and another, that much so he ended up that far out of his goal we thought he was getting ready for kick off.

The Referee pointed to the spot, but crucially didn’t send him off, which meant he was still there to make yet another fabulous save from the resulting spot kick.

It wasn’t only one way though, Tony G had to mark their top striker, which he did, time after time he somehow blocked his shots, and when he did get through, Eddie showed just why he was last year’s player of the year, with several saves (including a worldie).

Although they eventually lost 0-1, (for me) that was undoubtedly their best display of the season.

Third game against Panthers WFC. Sub Tony G

Relics: 2 shots both on target. Panthers: 7 shots with 3 on target Final Score 0 – 1

After the exertion of the opening 2 games the Relics were starting to look tired, Panthers controlled the game throughout with their man to man marking and passing game seemingly creating chances at will, the Relics worked hard but on this occasion were no match for their opponents, no complaints against the final score of losing 0 – 1

Final game against Burnley Clarets. Sub Kev B

Relics: 5 shots with 1 on target. Clarets: 10 shots with 7 on target Final Score 0 – 1

All credit to the Relics squad in this final game, carrying 2 or 3 injuries they gave their all against a very strong Clarets side of Giants (see comments from Wakefield game at previous session, what do they feed them further up the valley?). Having to play a fourth consecutive game whilst their opponents had the advantage of two breaks it was always going to be an uphill struggle. The Burnley side dominated most of the game, however the Relics did manage to put together one or two passing movements to create chances for Ian and Graham with Keith S and Kev A giving excellent support.  I must give a special mention to Tony, carrying a visible groin strain which forced him off in an earlier game he stuck to Burnley’s strong forceful centre forward admirably but all his efforts could not entirely stop the opponent. Eddie too was forced to make a number of good saves. The final score was a 0 – 1 defeat to a Burnley side who were good for their win

As ever excellent turnout for the Relics, Club Official Keiran, spectators Keith H, Ken B, Andy R, Steve H, all of whom weren’t just there for the post match pie and peas. Match report Nev K

Relegation is always a disappointment; however this is a particularly strong division, the Whites can at least look forward to their first ever local derby next season with games against the Stripes, the big question is “Who will manage both sides?”

Step aside Captain Mainwaring, Sergeant Wilson et al, Bury Relics own Dad’s Army the over 75’s were on parade at Heywood Sports Sports Village ably supported by a small platoon from Salcom (S).

On a cold but mainly sunny day whilst the Govt. and NHS were giving endless advice on how the elderly should stay warm during these cold spells the brave warriors of the Greater Manchester Walking Football League turned out for the final session of the inaugural over 75’s league

With only one point needed out of three games to secure the League Title, Manager Ian’s pre match speech insisted that his team take no risks, keep possession and let the opposition force the game

Keiran Tilley & Bob Daniels (holiday), John Bate (S) (fractured wrist) and Chris (S) were unavailable therefore the squad was Eddy Ford (GK) (C), John Wardle, Dave Morris, John Morris, Pat Fitzgerald, Kevin Longbottom (S), Joe Cohen (S) Bill Horton (S) with Manager: Ian McKinnon.

First Game against The Invincibles, Subs Kev and Pat (Kev on for Joe 2nd half)

Relics:  5 shots with 1 on target. Invincibles: 5 shots with 2 on target. Final Score 0 – 0

Bury started the game in total control with all round good movement and accurate passing to feet, the 1st shot of the game came from an Invincibles corner but was wide of goal. Bury created their own opportunities, a neat passing move resulted in a JoMo shot just wide of goal, quickly followed by another attempt by JoMo easily saved by the keeper. Against the run of play the opposition did have a couple of long range shots at goal but there was no real threat and they were easily covered by Eddy. Another sweeping move from Bury saw a pass from the back to Kev in midfield, he pushed forward and created a chance for John (Woggy) Wardle whose shot was just wide. Final score 0 – 0 probably a fair result, point needed secured.

Second Game Rochdale Strollers. Subs Kev and Pat (Kev on for Joe 2nd half)

Relics: 5 shots 4 on target. Rochdale  8 shots 4 on target  Final Score 0 – 0

What a game, both teams contributing to a superb example of over 75’s walking football, early on Bury put together a move of 12 passes starting from keeper Eddy and involving all 5 outfield players resulting in a narrowly wide shot from JoMo. Bury’s build up tended to be slow and methodical from keeper to Billy on the left through to midfield and then patiently waiting from an opportunity to strike, Rochdale were much more direct and quick on the break with their quick footed and tricky number 9 causing numerous problems, however Eddy was well placed for any shots on target. The game continued at a pace with both sides creating goal scoring opportunities. One comical moment towards the end as manager Ian continued the Dads Army theme by doing his Corporal Jones tribute act screaming at the players “don’t panic”, luckily he didn’t follow it up with “they don’t like it up em” Final score 0 – 0, manager Ian commenting that was ‘the best performance of the season’

Final Game Tameside Striders. Subs Woggy and Billy 

Relics: 8 shots with 3 on target. Tameside: 3 shots with 2 on target. Final Score 0 – 0

With the league title already secured the manager decided to leave defensive stalwart Billy who had picked up a head knock and midfield dynamo Woggy to save him for the next 70’s outing on the bench , JoMo was moved to the back leaving him to ask Dave “what are you supposed to do in defence?” Dave answered him in the best way possible, giving a superb display of controlled football from the back, distributing the ball and being there as an outlet when there was no opportunity to move the ball forward. Pat on the pitch for the first time made a valuable contribution intercepting one or two Tameside passes. Joe, playing at centre forward was always available and held the ball up well with his back to goal, laying off passes to create goal scoring opportunities. There was one unusual lapse at the back allowing the Tameside forward though on goal with only the keeper to beat, as ever Eddy was there to pull off a good save. JoMo known for his talent as a musician/singer went one step further later in the game to become a dancer as he stood over the ball, unable to find a pass he opted to do a little step over jig much to the amusement of the watching spectators. Final Score 0 – 0, thanks to both teams, entertaining football.

As ever excellent turnout for the Relics, Club Officials Keith S, spectators Keith H, Keith B, Ken Bond, Andy R, Tex, Ken Buggie. (one or two on the touchline did suggest that some supporters were only there for the free pie and pes after the game) Match report by Nev K

The Relics winning ways continued into the hall for the post match food and presentations, with Relics players, officials and spectators claiming at least of the raffle prizes on offer. One touching moment during the presentation came when the two players, of worthy league runners up Rochdale, received their trophy it was announced that they would both be ‘hanging up their boots’ both quite emotional they received a well earned round of applause. Then came the moment we had waited for as captain Eddy received the inaugural over 75’s League Winners Trophy, the first of its kind in the country.

Speaking as a baby from the over 60’s It was a pleasure to witness the skill, fitness and sportsmanship of the Relics over 75’s squad, gentlemen you should be very proud of your achievements and our sponsors Tower Family Healthcare should use you as a primary example of what can be done by continuing to participate in organised sport.

20th November 2025 
Relics over 65’s
Heywood

Manager : Ken Buggie
Squad :
Graham Walton ( C )
Keith Gillespie ( GK )
Keith Swain
Kevin Amos
Alan Blackley
Dave Lutkevitch
Pete Schevtschenko
Tony Greenall
It’s cold …. it’s very cold… it’s so cold that when Andy commented on my shivering I thought he was about to make a verbal dig so I made a pre-emptive strike by saying “ it’s alright for you…you’re a f*t fu**er” there were audible oooh’s from everyone in earshot…Andy had that “ revenge is best served cold“ look in his eyes …so I ran away and ordered extra padded shin pads off eBay… and ankle pads….and a nice full face American Football helmet.

Oh yeah…Anyway..there were some football matches played but my notes are so scrambled I doubt if the reports  are going to be accurate… did I mention it was cold?

First match up against Winstanley 
Subs-Keith S Tony G

I believe Ian McKinnon used “ World Kindness Day” to filter his report on last week’s Stripes game.

In a similar spirit I’m using “World Tell It Like It Is Day” to filter my report.

Bury were crap in this game… or Winstanley were really really good… it’s a matter of perspective… almost the entire game was played in Bury’s half of the pitch so all ten outfield players crammed together ..Winstanley pressed and possessed and shot some really really good shots 7 in total 4 on target resulting in two absolutely magnificent saves from Keith G at full stretch the other two attempts being tamer but nevertheless important stops… Bury had 1 shot… not on target. Bury couldn’t string two passes together and were under the cosh from the start… but in fairness… it was very very cold and Winstanley had obviously invested in thermal underwear otherwise we’d’ve thrashed them… as it is ..a respectable nil nil draw , man of the match to Keith G
Bury 0    Winstanley 0
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Second game up against Panthers 
I’m going to call them the Blue Panthers because it was cold 🥶 

Subs- Kev A , Pete S

It’s still cold ..but strangely ..Bury started playing like they had been treated in the interval with intravenous black peas .. passing the ball moving into space stroking it round like Brazil.. this bedazzled the Blue Panthers who ended up giving away a free kick which Dave L absolutely hammered at the net but somehow.. somehow the Blue Panthers keeper got a hand to it… his hand shattered into a thousand little pieces on impact.. ok .. it didn’t… but it should have because it was so cold.

Blue Panthers also had a free kick shortly after but it hit the post which also shattered into a thousand little pieces.. anyway ..that was exciting as it got for the Blue Panthers .

Meanwhile Bury are playing like men possessed .. a lovely pass from Dave L to Alan a great shot from Alan but the keeper saved it with his remaining hand.

The pressure from Bury was relentless a pass from Alan to Graham on the edge of the box a lovely swivel and pass on to Dave L at the far side of the box another great shot but ..couldn’t get it past the bits of the keeper that were still unshattered .

Full time 

Bury 0  Blue Panthers 0
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Third game up against Blackpool

Subs-Dave L,  Pete S

If Bury were operating on Intravenous Black Peas then Blackpool were operating on Intravenous Running Beans 🫘 

There was not a lot of walking happening in this game, Blackpool had clearly eaten too many Weetabix and Bury were having to run to keep up with them, to be fair to Bury they did a grand job in a pretty even fast-paced game  managing 6 shots with 3 
on target, Blackpool only had 3 shots with 2 on target but stats don’t give the full picture.

Graham had two great shots saved but at the other end Blackpool got the benefit of a controversial decision, their strikers managed to split Bury’s defence very effectively albeit with rule bending pace their striker toe-poked a goal when the ball was clearly in the box but the goal was given..

Bury didn’t give up and continued pressing but were undone again by a clever back-heel that split the defence leaving the striker with an easy target that Keith couldn’t do much about from point blank range.

This result doesn’t really do justice to Bury who made some great moves and were for the most part solid in defence but if players are consistently allowed to run and not penalised then the other team don’t really stand a chance.

Bury 0  Blackpool 2

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Fourth game up against Wakefield 
Subs-Kev A, Alan

Let’s get the stats out of the way 
Bury had 5 shots 2 on target ( I’ll come back to this)
Wakefield had 8 shots 3 on target 

Wakefield are a very good team but Bury could’ve given them a run for their money ….unfortunately the Black Peas had started to wear off at this point .

Wakefield pass the ball like there’s nobody on the pitch except themselves , it is a pleasure to watch and unfortunately for Bury that’s all they could manage to do for much of the game, wave after wave of attack pushed Bury to the edge and in Pete’s case quite literally, we all know what it’s like trying to contain a top striker whilst balancing on the edge of the box .. unfortunately Pete lost his balance and stepped into the box… penalty… dispatched ruthlessly by Wakefield.

However Bury didn’t just fold they had a couple of decent shots on target, one from Alan and one from Graham after a lovely pass from Keith S .

But the momentum was mainly with Wakefield who forced another error this time from Keith S who intercepted a ball coming across Bury’s area before it had left the area whilst under pressure from a striker breathing down his neck threatening to toe poke it… another penalty.. another goal.

Finally Wakefield got a free kick and unlike most teams found a way to score from it… Final score 

Bury 0 Wakefield 3
For what it’s worth as a bit of a consolation I overheard the Wakefield boss saying “ this is the only team today who’ve managed to get two shots on target against us “

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Fifth game up against Corinthians 

Subs-Keith S, Tony G

Stats .. Bury 6 shots 4 on target 
Corinthians 5 shots 2 on target 

Final game and for some reason there’s a feeling of optimism nay joy drifting across the slightly thawed sheet of green concrete that is passing as a pitch on this crisp sunny day ( I forgot to mention the sun, the sun , like the cold, was relentless.. ridiculously bright and disorientating without the slightest hint of heat ..just sat up there ..mocking the mortals who dare to presume that sunshine means warmth).

Perhaps it was the realisation that soon they could find shelter from the god of ice who was clawing at their feet or perhaps it was the disposition of the referee Ian who always manages to inject a bit of humour into proceedings that certainly helps to lift the mood especially after being thrashed 3 nil.

This game was all a bit of a blur as I was in the later stages of hypothermia at this point but I do remember some great passing good movement.. I may have been hallucinating but I think Bury players even managed to communicate verbally within this match… whatever it was … the thought of tea and biscuits 🍪 the jokes of the referee or the sheer madness that comes from lack of oxygen as it freezes before it reaches your lungs… Bury played great football culminating in a shot from Graham that was blocked by the keeper but he couldn’t hold it and it bounced out to Graham who lifted it gloriously seemingly in slow motion over the keeper and into the net … f***ing hell… a goal… the heavens opened… angels did a fly-by … dogs and cats hugged each other… but wait… Corinthians weren’t in a mood to allow divine intervention to distract them.. they forced a free kick in a great position the resulting shot sailed like an arrow ( wait a minute… can an arrow sail)? … sailed like an arrow shaped sailing vessel straight at Bury’s goal.. Keith G ,with lightning reflexes, just manages to get his fingertips to the missile that was sent his way and he guides it over the crossbar… all the spectators breath out in a massive collective misty cold day sigh that momentarily blocks out the sun … as the mist slowly clears the referee blows his whistle… 

Final score 

Bury 1 Corinthians 0
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This leaves Relics in the middle of a congested mid table of 7 teams; 3 points from 2nd place and 2 points above relegation. The final 4 games on the last match week are going to be epic – will we slip through the cracks to submerge into Div 2, slide along to safety or skate away to runners up?

Bury Relics Over 60 Stripes went into their penultimate set of fixtures of their Greater Manchester Division 2 Walking Football league campaign in match week 7. A squad of 9 were selected of Keith (GK), Steve M, Ken Bo, Mike, Keith H, Steve H, Iain, Neville and Andy. Ken was Manager and Pat, Keiran, Keith the Kit Man and Dave M, were in attendance on a very clement November day. These matches were played on World Kindness Day and in that spirit I have reported the day’s events.

First up were 2^nd placed Salcom with Ken Bo, Keith H and Mike starting on the bench. They had the first shot which was off target and they had the second shot which was a goal. A bad start. Frustratingly it came from our own possession just outside our box when we gave them the ball and a quick toebung nestled in the corner. Andy replied with 2 shots as the game continued at a very rapid pace. Nev was very quickly on 2 fouls and replaced by Ken Bo. This did nothing to halt the flow of recorded offences and we gave a 4 foul penalty away shortly after. Fortunately, a strongly hit shot cannoned back off the post to go out for a kick in near the halfway line! The running persisted and then it was our turn to get a 4 foul penalty which Andy brilliantly despatched. We were back in the game looking to consolidate but we couldn’t kick on and Salcom regained the lead when their outstanding centre forward scored with his trademark roll and right footed shot. This took the wind out of the sails of our comeback voyage and we limped into the port of Final Whistle. 2-1 loss.

Next up were 3^rd placed Ribble Valley with Steve H, Andy and Keith H starting on the bench. We started with what looked like a hangover from the previous match. Ribble played good football from the off and eerily again scored early from their second shot which finished off an excellent 4 man move. Another bad start. It is always difficult when you go 1 down to a good footballing team as they can contain you when you have the ball and make space easily when they have it, to play in triangles to kill time and the game, ultimately. After we had been hemmed in for a long period with only Keith’s brilliance in goal and Steve M’s last ditch defending keeping the score within reach we showed great spirit to get some shots off but none were on target and the men in red eased to a 1-0 victory.

Third up were top of the table Bolton with Keith H, Ken Bo and Steve M starting on the bench. Disaster struck from the kick off when they took the centre, had a couple of passes and a long shot deflected off Steve H (which was especially cruel as he defended superbly throughout the day) to send it spinning past the wrong footed Keith G. 3 bad starts in a row. Literally the last thing we needed as they then kept the ball for the remaining 14 minutes 45 seconds with an excellent display of walking football whilst in front. We had no shots at all and they doubled their lead just before the end from a free kick. 2-0 loss.

Our fourth match versus Rochdale Strollers saw Andy, Iain and Nev on the bench. Having played the top 3 teams in the league there was hope of some respite in our last 2 fixtures against teams who were mid table like us. Before the game Ken and the players had a constructive team talk to put the first 3 matches behind them and try and get back on track. We started well with firstly a fierce Steve M strike being deflected for a corner and a clever Ken Bo shot being saved by their keeper. We were looking a lot better but then got sucker punched, hit on the break and beautifully finished put us behind again. Our resolve dissolved and they settled into a brilliantly executed game plan of allowing us to come onto them and then hitting us on the break. Another 2 excellently taken goals put us 3 nil behind but we kept going with our highlight being a piece of typical Mike B brilliance on the edge of the D but their keeper made, not 1 but 2, diving saves to keep Mike out. 3-0 loss.

Our final match versus Moston Brook saw Mike B, Steve H and Steve M on the bench. After the disappointment of the previous game we went into this one low in confidence and were on the back foot from the off. The Brook played neat short passing football which forced Keith G into 2 good stops before they eventually scored from a good move which created a man in space who placed it home. This sparked a response and Keith Hayes turned and hit a screamer which their keeper tipped past the junction of post and bar. From the resultant corner Neville played a fantastic ball across the face of goal which the long striding Ken Bo met perfectly to rattle the underside of the bar, it bounced down on the line then back up above the bar. We followed that up with a good pass from Iain to Andy who hit a strong shot which again made the keeper work. Confidence was rising but was immediately brought crashing back down when the opposition scored a carbon copy of the first goal. We chased the game, tried too hard and found it difficult to keep possession. We were being picked off and unsurprisingly they scored another replica to lose 3-0.

After the matches, Captain Mike commented “it was a struggle today against 5 teams who are now all above us in the league but the good thing is that we have the final set of fixtures to recover. A decent set of results next time round could see us climb to sixth so we have got something to aim for and finish on a high rather than a low.”

6th November Greater Manchester Walking Football League Over 60’s Division 1 played at Heywood Sports Village

Our intrepid match day reporters Keith Bibby (International Duty), Ian McKinnon and Kev Bates (playing squad) were unavailable to report on the day’s events so a member of the Relic’s supporters’ club was press ganged into duty, in reality asked politely but press ganged sounds so much better. Apologies for any errors or omissions

With almost perfect playing conditions on this exceptionally mild autumn day with a gentle SE breeze expectations were high amongst this strong 9 man Whites squad albeit they were facing 4 of the top 5 teams in this particularly difficult division

Manager: Ken Buggie. Squad: Eddy Ford (GK), Graham Walton (C), Tony Greenall, Kevin Amos, Ian McKinnon, Danny Mitton, Dave Lutkevitch, Kevin Bates, Mark Evans.

First game against Fleetwood Town Flyers. Subs Danny, Mark and Kev B

Relics:  4 shots of which 3 on target. Final Score 1 – 1

The game couldn’t have got off to a worse start, in the 1st serious attack launched by Fleetwood their forward on the edge of the box produced a good turn and 1st time shot low into the bottom corner leaving Eddy with no chance of producing a save. Fleetwood continued to dominate the early possession and had shots saved by Eddy and blocked by Tony. Relics then started to introduce some authority into the game with some pinpoint passing between all the players, all of this possession eventually produced an opportunity for Graham from the left side of the goal, his well struck shot appeared to have been parried away to safety by the keeper only for Dave L to sneak in at the far post to hit a 1st time shot into the narrowest of margins to produce an excellent equalising goal. The game continued with some flowing passing football from both teams, the referee gave a contested throw in to Fleetwood for Tony to loudly dispute, this was repeated moments later and again the decision going Fleetwood’s way much to Tony’s disgust, the ball then went out once again and the Relics were awarded the throw in much to Tony’s delight, his cheers echoed around the ground and received a round of applause from the watching spectators. The Relics continued to improve and pinned Fleetwood into their own half with some good pressing play. Tense closing moments with both teams on 3 fouls due to the ref appearing to punish the slightest infringement whilst allowing blatant fouls by both teams to go unpunished and a late Fleetwood shot blocked by Kev A. Final score 1 – 1 with the Relics unlucky to come away with just 1 point

Second Game Wakefield Wanderers. Subs Dave, Ian, Tony

Relics: 2 shots on target. Final Score 0 – 0

As the Wakefield players appeared on the pitch I thought they had sent a basketball team in error, they are an incredibly tall team, what do they feed them over in Yorkshire? Perhaps they were given free school milk long before us poor waifs brought up in our Lancastrian mill towns. In this modern day War of the Roses the historians amongst us were hoping for the repeat of the 1640 Battle of Wakefield when the Yorkists were finally defeated, alas this was not to be. The match was completely dominated by Wakefield, wave after wave of neat passing moves usually resulting in shots at goal and skillful close control by their players. Eddy was excellent in goal, it is no exaggeration to say that he made at least 5 quality saves that would have beaten most keepers, the guys in front of him worked hard and blocked shots to keep out the marauding Wanderers. In between Wakefield domination the Relics did put together one or two moves of their own resulting in blocked shots from both Danny and Graham. Final score 0 – 0 a well deserved point against quality opponents 

Third Game Blackpool Senior Seasiders Subs Kev A, Kev B, Danny

Relics: 4 shots, 3 on target Final Score Lost 1 – 0

The start of the game was delayed as both teams appeared wearing white shirts, after some discussion over who is the home team and who should wear bibs it was agreed that the Seasiders would wear Orange bibs which to be fair matched the stripes on their shorts, a couple of their players opted to wear their bibs back to front in what could be construed as a deliberate attempt to confuse the referee as to which way they were running. The change took so long that the referee decided to blow the final whistle much to the relief of manager Ken who said “we’ll take that”. Blackpool started well with a neat passing move resulting in a shot well saved by Eddy, a further shot was blocked by Tony which deflected onto the bar. Relics turn to put a neat passing move resulted in Mark narrowly shooting wide, again another good move resulted in Dave being penalised for running as he neared the goal. Yet another delay, this time because the Blackpool players complained that the ball was too soft. Although Blackpool were on top producing more blocked shots and saves from Eddy the Relics still had their moments with shots from both Mark and Graham. In the final minute tragedy struck, a Relics attack was broken down by Blackpool, their player stole the ball and moved quickly forward, he really did appear to be running, he squared the ball for a team mate to hammer into the roof of the net. Players and spectators alike were gutted, a point against a very good Blackpool team would have been well deserved. Final score lost 1 – 0

Fourth Game Manchester Old Boys Subs Graham, Mark, Ian

Relics 3 shots, 1 on target Final Score 0 – 0

Manchester set off on the front foot with an early shot saved by Eddy, they then had a goal quite rightly disallowed due to running by their number 10. There followed a controversial moment, Kev A indicated to the bench and the referee that he was injured and needed to be replaced, the ref refused to stop the game much to the disgust of Manager Ken who let his feelings be known only to receive stern talking too by the ref, Ian eventually was allowed on as a substitute. As the game progressed Dave L intercepted a pass but his shot was wide of the goal, later the Relics were awarded a free kick which resulted in Ian having a shot at goal. There followed some poor defending from Bury resulting in a chance for Manchester that was well saved by Eddy. Late in the game good possession from Ian and a through pass to Kev B whose low shot was blocked by a defender. The final score of 0 – 0 was on balance probably a fair result

Final Game Winstanley Walkers Subs Dave, Tony, Kev B

Relics 4 shots, 3 on target Final Score Lost 1 – 0

A strong start by the Relics, a passing move involving all outfield players resulted in a shot from Mark saved by the keeper, Bury then played the ball efficiently from the back to give Graham an opportunity of a shot that was narrowly wide. Winstanley began to take control but their attacking play was kept at bay by good defending. Ouch, Ian took one for the team as the ball hit him straight in middle wicket, at least 5 of the watching crowd volunteered to do the cold sponge treatment, none could be found so it was up to Ian to take deep breaths and rub himself better. There were further attempts on goal from Mark and Ian but Winstanley were fully in control, a tiring Bury side were giving the ball away all too often in midfield and a resulting break down the left saw Winstanley score, there followed wave after wave of Winstanley attacks but shots were saved or blocked. The final score was a 1-0 defeat against a side whose 2nd in the league position reflected their overall play

A quick note regarding reporters Ian and Kev B, both desperate to make the headlines or at least match comments they asked me to point out the following:- Ian – “did you see my ballboy performance? He managed to return the ball to the next field with an ‘Av it’ Peter Kay punt. Kev B “I managed to save 5 worms from being trodden on” sceptics maintained that he moved the same worm 5 times

As ever excellent turnout for the Relics, Club Officials Keiran and Pat, spectators Keith H, Ken B, Andy R, Steve H, Match report Nev K

The 3 point return leaves the Whites in an uphill struggle to avoid the dreaded drop.

Manager Ken’s post match summary “Thanks for all the effort today lads for such a poor return of points after some good footy”. 

A Nev Kitchen report

Bury Relics Over 75’s went into their penultimate set of fixtures of the Greater Manchester Division 1 Walking Football 2025 league campaign with a squad of Eddy (GK), Pat, Keiran, Bob, John Morris, plus the Salcom trio of Billy, Joe and John Bate. Ian McKinnon was Manager with supporters Ken’s Bond & Buggie and Kodak Keith providing great support.

Relics v Invincible’s (Got that wrong big style).
Good work from Jo Mo in mid-field who managed 3 good shots on goal in the early stages which was an achievement in itself as the ball seemed to be inflated to about 6.3 psi.
Big Joe combining well with the stalwart of the team, Bob, who was unlucky not to score his 2nd goal in 6yrs of walking football.
Relics are now well on top but unable to break the deadlock, first effort on goal from the Invincible’s (who) but Bob’s there to tidy up at the back. 
Half time 0-0.
Bad marking early into the 2nd half allowing England international Dave Mort their first shot on target with Eddie in complete control. Relics taking a little while to be settling in this second half allowing Invincible’s (eh) to temporarily take control of the game but this turns around as Jo Mo brings the best out of the Invincible’s keeper. Both teams now on 3 fouls each as the final whistle goes leaving both teams breathing a sigh of relief.
Final score 0-0.

Relics v Rochdale.
First shot of the day falls to Rochdale, no worries Eddie has it covered. Relics counter attack with Bill playing a gem of a ball down the line to Jo Mo who gets his shot on target. Big Joe and Mo Jo taking control in mid-field with the Rochdale keeper pulling another save off thwarting Jo Mo yet again, half time approaching and Eddie pulls off the save of the game a well struck volley from Val the Rochdale number 5 .
Halftime 0-0
Game now picking up pace with the spectators commenting “it’s like watching the over 60s” .
Jo Mo through again with a one on one but pulls the ball just wide.
Big Joe now on 2 fouls and is dragged off (just in case) Big Joe isn’t pleased as Pat comes on to take his place ,Pat settles in and doesn’t put a foot wrong – well he would wouldn’t he as he never got a ##### Kick did he !!
Final score 0-0.

Relics vTameside
Who sang it “Things can only get better” 
Well they didn’t
Bill and Up front John B carrying injuries but soldiering on (old age thing) Bill still injured flies down the wing drills the ball into the corner pocket only to watch the keeper force the ball around the post.
Relics now in complete control managing the game well as Jo Mo has yet another shot saved, game now seems to be falling into another scoreless draw.
Tameside now on two fouls with Relics on none yea that’s right none.
Big Joe have chances late on but it wasn’t to be.

Final score 0-0.

As every game between the 4 teams ended 0-0 this leaves Relics needing just one point from the final session in late November, all in all a good session’s results from the lads.

22nd October 2025
On a damp, dull, drizzly, Heywood morning, more suited to sitting at home watching daytime TV with a blanket over your knee. The Relics were putting in some stellar performances to move 8 points above second place at the top of the league ..

First game v The Invincibles
This was a scrappy game with the ref pulling play back following minor offences to explain the laws of the game to the players. The players know the rules but have to be disciplined not to commit fouls in the heat of the moment. Inevitably with all the hold ups the game finished 0 – 0

Game 2 Rochdale. An early goal for the Relics as JoMo moved down the left hand side to the edge of the area. His shot hit the bottom of the left hand post, the big Rochdale keeper got down to the shot but not quick enough, the ball hitting the bottom of the post then hitting the keeper and rebounding into the net. 1 – 0 to the Relics.
JoMo and JW combined well for John W’s shot to force a save from the Rochdale keeper.
Keiran received a cross field pass, and set himself up for a shot with superb control. Keiran smashed the ball on target from a narrow angle, but the Rochdale keeper got in the way at the near post. The Relics dominated the 2nd half but couldn’t change the score.
Full time Relics 1 – Rochdale 0

Game 3 Relics v Tameside
This was mainly a midfield passing game from both sides. The Relics produced a super move from JW – Keiran – Bob – JoMo but his shot was saved by the Tameside keeper. HT 0 – 0
The Second half and the Relics dominated the play, with shots from JoMo, Kev, and Billy. Billy was involved in another crafted attempt the ball from Billy – Kev – JoMo but his shot was wide.
Final Score Relics 0 – Tameside 0

Well done to all the players Eddie (gk), Bob D, John W, Keiran, JoMo, Kev Longbottom (S), Bill Horton (S), Kevin Bate (S)

It was good to see Andy Rich on the touchline supporting the lads so soon after his hospital stay. Note, his quilted coat has a patch on the back, not a stain.

Bury Relics Over 65’s went into their sixth set of fixtures of the Greater Manchester Division 1 Walking Football 2025 league campaign with a squad of 7: Keith Gillespie (GK), Kev Amos, Pete Shev, Alan, Dave Luk, Keith Swain and Graham. Ken was Manager and supporters in attendance were Keiran, Tony G, Iain D, Nev, Kodak Keith, Kev B, Paul Webster (looking well), Steve H and KenBo on a dry, crisp day.

First up were Bolton with Keith S starting on the bench. We opened brightly with a great move: Graham played it up the middle to Alan who had moved up into the centre forward position, he laid it off to Dave on the left wing who hit it first time against the post after the goalie got his fingertips to it. We were on top but Bolton moved up the pitch and scored from a shot which went through Shev’s legs and trickled just inside the far post past a despairing dive from Keith G. We didn’t let this affect us negatively instead we went up a gear and really took the game to a very good team in the search for an equaliser. We kept repeating our first move to set Dave up with shooting chances, 3 of which forced their keeper into excellent saves. We were really pressing high and moving the ball well and eventually it paid off when a Bolton defender ran across the box to block a shot. Graham took great care with his penalty set up and despatched it brilliantly. There was very little time left and for the first time since they scored Bolton threatened our goal only for Shev to put in a superb block to divert the ball out of play and bring the game to an end. A fully deserved 1-1 draw.

Next up were Preston with Alan starting on the bench. They started well making Keith G’s belly bounce with a toebung into his midriff which was their only shot on (or off) target. We replied strongly and really took the game by the scruff of the neck playing outstanding football which delighted the Relics support. Graham had 2 good shots after great moves, then Kev A, who had played quietly but very effectively throughout intercepted the ball in midfield, strode forward but fired it just wide. Dave then hit another thunderbolt from out wide which the keeper pushed over the bar. Our last chance was a flashing drive into the side net from Keith S after a lovely one-two with Graham. A very unlucky 0-0 draw.

Our third game was against Rochdale with Kev A on the bench. We continued where we left off and struck early when Graham threaded a lovely ball through the middle to the edge of the D for Dave to absolutely lash into the roof of the net. This settled us and we laid siege to their box. A good move out from the back saw the ball go from Shev to Keith S to Alan into Graham in the middle and he struck a rising drive which stung the keeper’s palms and the ball came bouncing out of the box to the right. Dave reacted quickly, got to it and brought it under control, he looked up and played it back across the D to a waiting Graham who was licking his lips as it headed towards him. The Rochdale defender only had 2 options – let Graham take the shot or step inside the box to knock it away and hope the ref was unsighted. He took the latter but was so far inside that it would have been visible from the International Space Station and Rochdale conceded their third penalty of the day. Once again Graham took great care with his penalty set up and despatched it brilliantly. 2-0 up, we relaxed and played keep ball, Rochdale only had 2 shots, one of which was on target when Kevin Williams hit a magnificent shot with the outside of his foot which was heading straight for the top corner until Keith G leapt like a salmon and tipped it over the bar. The highlight of the game, and indeed day, came just before the end when Keith S found himself up front on his own with only one man to beat. He beautifully knocked the ball one way, shimmied round the defender and was clear in on goal but the ref ruled too quick and killed the skill! A very strong 2-0 victory.

The final game was against Corinthians Whites with Shev as sub. We showed no signs of a drop off and flew out the blocks. Alan intercepted a pass out from the goalie and blasted it straight back which was bravely saved. Then Keith S put Graham in at the edge of the D, he tried to sit the keeper down but he wasn’t biting and when Graham tried to put it past him his leg got in the way. It was totally one-way traffic (to be fair to the opposition they had no subs, it was their fifth game and some were carrying injuries) now and we just camped in their half. However, their keeper, normally a striker, was playing out his skin and he turned yet another rocket from Dave past the post for a corner before once again denying Dave after a good turn and shot. Just before the end Alan teed Keith S up for a shot but again it flashed wide. A dominant 0-0 draw.

The stats of the day told a positive story as we had 16 shots on target with 5 against and took 6 points from 12.  Outstanding performances from everyone meant that we played very well in every game with the only negative being Dave pulling a thigh muscle just prior to the finish. After 6 of the 8 match weeks the table is still congested apart from Wakefield who are a huge 21 points ahead. Relics retain 4^th place, 3 points from second but only 6 points above the relegation places which is a slight improvement after this round of matches. Therefore, apart from the top spot, still all to play for.

An Ian McKinnon report

9th October 2025
Hard work pays off for the Relics over 60’s stripes. A tough day at Heywood brought 8 points from 5 games and only 1 goal against.

First game was the Burnley Clarets Casual. A big and tough looking team were totally dominated by the Relics over 60’s stripes. The Relics started well with plenty of passing and movement. Andy R’s enthusiasm brought a foul to the Clarets and a few choice words from the Clarets player as he lay on the pitch sparked a bit of afters. It all soon calmed down, the Relics continued their domination of the game but without scoring. It was beginning to look as though the Clarets were going to hold on against the onslaught, but in the last minutes a Clarets defender strayed into the box conceding a penalty to the Relics. Andy Rich took a superb penalty scoring hard and low off the keeper’s left hand post. Justice was done, the Relics constant pressure had paid off.
Final score Clarets 0 Relics 1

Next came Preston, the Relics didn’t have the same style of play as the previous game, not so much dominance, more of a midfield tussle without many chances. Ian D had a chance shooting diagonal across the box and just wide. Mark E shot wide, and the hard working Steve M intercepted a Preston Pass but his shot was just wide.
Final score Preston 0 Relics 0

Third game was Wakefield, always a good side, and today was no exception. Plenty of passing and movement from Wakefield left the Relics out numbered in defence, it was 2 Wakefield attackers against 1 Relics defender, Wakefield don’t miss many chances like that and they went 1-0 up with a calm finish from the edge of the box. The Relics continued to struggle to get into any shape and it looked like Wakefield had gone 2 up with a crisp left foot shot from the edge of the area but the Wakefield forward was pulled up for running. The relics got themselves into the game with Steve M and Mike B have a couple of good opportunities but shot wide. At the other end Keith G in the Relics goal pulled off a couple of excellent saves to keep the score close, but without reward.
Final score Wakefield 1 Relics 0.

Moston were next up for the Relics. Not much to separate the two teams early in the game trading shots that were wide, high, or tamely saved. As the game went on the Relics were more and more on top, defending well with Nev making a good block in front of the Relics goal, Nev was in action at the other end with a good shot that was high. With both teams lacking that finishing touch the game never looked like there ever would be any goals.
Final score Moston 0 – Relics 0

Final game of the day was Rochdale. The Relics started well with a through ball on the edge of the box from Ken B to Nev, a quick turn from Nev and a low shot was too good for the keeper. Relics 1 – 0 up early in the game. Relics were trying to keep possession to run down the clock. They succeeded in restricting Rochdale to just a couple of goal attempts and saw out the game for 3 points.
Final score Rochdale 0 – Relics 1

Some excellent play throughout the day from the Relics squad:- Mike B (C), Keith G (gk), Andy R, Iain D, Mark E, Steve H, Steve M, Ken B, Nev K. Special mention to keeper Keith G, and never stopped running, oops never stopped working Steve M.