December 4th 2024 and the final set of division 1 GMWFL fixtures had arrived. On the day, perfect playing conditions greeted the teams; a mild to cool temperature, no wind and no rain. Was this really at Heywood? A short league huddle, orchestrated by Paul, prepared the players and refs for the days play. Bury Relics supporters had turned out in force to watch the Champions elect challenge for the title. The Relics Fan Club included: Keith H, Kev, Ken Bo, Motherwell Ian, Keith B and Tony P. Plus, there may have been others. The squad consisted: Eddy (GK, C), Gerry L, Peter T, Jomo, Dave M, Bob and John W. Manager for the day was Ken Bug, with Keith S as back up.

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Thameside
To see the highlights of the game, click-here.

To watch the entire match, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 0 – 0 Thameside

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Rochdale
To see the highlights of the game, including Rochdale’s counter attack goal, click-here.

To watch the entire match, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 0 – 1 Rochdale

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Burnley
To see the highlights of the game, including penalty saves, click-here.

To watch the entire match, click-here.
Note; apologies, an issue with pause/record buttons meant some play is missing.
Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 0 – 0 Burnley

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Corinthians
To see the highlights of the game, including Jomo’s sensational penalty, click-here.

To watch the entire match, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 1 – 0 Corinthians

The Bury Relics players played superbly to deservedly sit on top of division 1 as champions. Eddy was superb in goal, saving shots from open play in all games, which was pinnacled with a sublime penalty save against Burnley. Gerry orchestrated attacking play, with names on his passes, and had some powerful shots that were close to goals. Peter T played his pass/move game, mixed in with some resolute challenges that turned over possession back to Relics on several occasions. Jomo was his usual energetic self, with lots of twisting/turning, taking up clever positions to receive the ball and was tenacious all games. Jomo also provided a masterclass in penalty taking (click-here). His brother Dave was excellent too, his play full of accurate passes, many of them first time passes, always making their target. Bob was terrific, defending resolutely and always marking a forward (no easy spaces for them), unless space was available for him to get a pass whilst Relics had possession. Finally, John W was at his best, with his natural place in midfield; breaking up opposition attacks, whilst also being a playmaker, he makes the game look simple. Even though all individual performances were superb, they also gelled well as a team; one good thing was there was no moaning or critic between players. Ken Bug did a good job picking and encouraging the team to win the league. Overall, sensational, the over 70s did fabulously.

Importance of good goalkeepers; Relics are blessed with 2 superb keepers and it makes a massive difference when a keeper is making 4 or 5 quality saves during a set of fixtures. Eddy made a great penalty save that contributed to Relics success today. In addition, a mention should be made of Burnley’s keeper, who made 2 fine saves vs. Corinthians, to deny them a possible win (thus 2 fewer points less for Corinthians). Referees and how they ref also can make a difference. On the day, the 2 refs were consistent but different. One was very careful to catch every offence, whilst the other let the games flow. No complaints at all about either, and Relics were on 3 fouls for about half of the Corinthians game.

I think it’s worth turning up for every final set of fixtures, even just for the Pie and Peas, the Raffle and the presentation. The food is delicious, the people who run it are brilliant and the presentation/photos at the end do it proud-justice. You can see the Bury Relics captain collecting the winning trophy, see-below. Keith H and Motherwell Ian were taking videos/photos of players at the end. It was nice some of the Burnley players came over to shake some of the Bury Relics players hands, despite the fact they finished bottom; an example of being Good sports. It usually is a good day when you win, but this genuinely was a good day for the Relics. Photos by Kodak Keith, Motherwell Ian and videos/report by Dr. John.

Photos

November 2024
Sir Pat was drafted in to manage the “in form” over 70s Bury Relics team. He and his team delivered on the day with resolute performances and a sprinkle of good fortune. The squad and staff for the day: Eddy (GK), Keiren T (C), Gerry L, Bob D, Eric L, John (Jomo), Dave M and Peter T. Manager/coach Sir Pat. An overcast day, with little wind, gave fairly decent football playing conditions. Plenty of supporters had turned out to watch: Andy Van R, Kev, Ken, Watford Mark, Keith B and John W to name a few. The first game was against Thameside.

Bury Relics v Tameside
Keiren makes a good turn and shot on Relics first sortie, which just whistles around the wrong side of the post. In quick succession, Thameside go down the other end and fire in a long-range effort that is saved by Eddy. The game is to and throw, with both sides having multiple shots. There are running offences from both teams, and the counts are totting up. A nice passage of play, involving Gerry and a wonderful pass, gets Bob free on goal, and he takes a quick toe-bung shot that is just saved by the keeper. A nice move from the Relics. Then, Thameside manage to create a chance, where their striker is totally free, one-on-one, against Eddy; he should do better with his shot and the scuffed effort is easily saved by Eddy. After Eddy passing into midfield, the ball falls at Jomo’s feet, and he takes a very long range shot, that is low, and cannons off the left hand post. An excellent attempt, which had their keeper beaten. Good interplay between Peter T and Gerry, crescendos with Gerry making a good shot that is equalled by a brilliant save by the Thameside keeper. Lots of chances for both teams in this game. Then the ref blows his whistle against Thameside for running, and it’s a 4-foul penalty. Gerry calmly strokes the penalty, high, into the middle of the net as the keeper gambles and dives low to his left; an excellent penalty. Soon after, it’s all over to give Relics a good win.
Bury Relics 1 – 0 Thameside

Bury Relics v Rochdale
This games was a contrast to the Thameside game, which had many shots from both teams. This was more chess like, with good passing and possessions but both teams were marking well and it was difficult for either team to make an opening for a decent shot. However, a quick interception by Bob, gives Eric a quick first-time shot but it was just wide. Rochdale then gain a gift of a corner as no Relics players had touched a wide shot from Rochdale. The resulting play involved a shot from Rochdale that had Eddy scrambling across his goal to make a good save. Then, again, Eddy pulls off a good save, this time from their #2, who makes a sharp turn and shot. Then, wow, wonderful, majestic, you hardly ever see a goal like this in league football. Eric receives the ball close to the area, with his back to goal and with a defender in close attendance behind him. He looks to see what support is around him, but instead of laying it off, he makes a very powerful back-heel that flies past both defender and keeper and into the net. That got the loudest cheer of the day from the side lines. It is safe to say, Eric will be talking about that goal for some time to come. Great goal. Rochdale now get more frantic and try and reply quickly. Despite that, Bury end up victorious, from a majestic back-heel goal.
Bury Relics 1 – 0 Rochdale

Bury Relics v Burnley
In the first few minutes of this game, it looked like it was going to be a one-sided game, dominated by the Relics. However, as the game progressed, it turned into a tetchy game, with both sides committing both running and contact fouls. There were few clear-cut chances for either team. Bob was outstanding all day though, and this was exemplified by his strong will and battling skills. No quarter was given when challenging their midfielder as he attacked the Relics goal. The best move of the game was an interception by Bob, who fed Jomo, who then took a fierce shot that was saved well by their keeper. The result was probably fair in the end, a goalless draw.
Bury Relics 0 – 0 Burnley

Bury Relics v Corinthians
At the start of play today, there was a single point separating both teams, so this was a battle of the top-two. The game was highly competitive and the Corinthians strategy was to man mark all of the Relics team when out of possession. This made distribution difficult for Eddy. and also for passing moves. So, Relics had to work hard to make space, and were intercepted a couple of times, where Jomo had to sprint back to defend. On the second occasion, picking up a running foul. Gerry was battling hard and picked up a couple of fouls, one for backing in. There were few clear chances but Corinthians had 2 glorious chances to score: the first came from a Corinthians interception and a quick pass forward. Bob tried to get back but slipped over, leaving it 3 versus 1 at the back. Corinthians passed it wide to a spare man, who had only Eddy to beat. Eddy anticipated a near post shot and dived immediately to cover the obvious shot to his right, but the striker hit his shot high to Eddy’s left, with the ball cannoning off the top-right-corner of the goal and to safety. That was one let-off, but the second came courtesy of a 4-foul penalty, which was awarded against the Relics. The penalty can be seen here, and it is clear that the taker takes a small step back before striking the ball into the net. The Ref spots it and immediately says no goal, and it’s Eddy’s ball. The game ends 0 – 0 and the Corinthians staff are not happy. However, it’s a great result for the Relics, and helps cement their position at the top of the league.
Bury Relics 0 – 0 Corinthians

In summary, it was a good and strong performance by the Relics team. Everyone played their part and a clean sheet on the day was evidence that Bury were resolute all over the team. Goals are hard to come by in this league, and it was a cool penalty by Gerry and a wonder goal by Eric, that gave Relics an 8 point haul on the day. Well done to Relics and Staff for a good days football. All to play for in the final December fixtures.
Report by Dr. John.

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Thursday 17th October 2024.
Second match day of the Autumn 2024 season saw the Relics over 65’s struggle in front of goal. Ideal conditions at Heywood for a change, but lady luck wasn’t around to enjoy the sunshine and assist the Relics. No photos from the day either with Kodak Keith also away.

Preston 0 Relics 0
Good performances from both teams; with Preston playing above what their bottom position in the table would suggest. The teams cancelled each other out with not many goal opportunities.
The best chance of the game fell to the Relics when a fierce shot from Ian McC hit the bottom of the Preston keepers right hand post the ball rebounded to Relics striker Graham W, on the edge of the box’ who did well to get a good instinctive contact on the ball, but his low shot was straight at the Preston keeper who was still on the floor from trying to save Ian’s original shot.

Wakefield 1 Relics 0
Relics played well against run away league leaders Wakefield but it was Gaz in the Relics goal who was the busier of the two keepers.
Wakefield were on the front foot from the start with a powerful shot hitting the Relics post. The next attack from Wakefield, but a great save from Gaz kept the scoresheet clear, but not for long. A good move from Wakefield with a final ball across the Relics box hammered pat Gaz who had no chance wit the powerful shot.
The Relics played really well to stay in the game but didn’t trouble the Wakefield keeper with any shots of note.
Wakefield had a flurry of chances towards the end of the game with Gaz making two wonderful saves either side of a another shot that went past his left hand post.

Corinthians 0 Relics 0
Another tough game up next against Corinthians. These are always tough games played with great rivalry.
Fortunately Gaz continued his great form with two good saves, and Pete Shev did a great job of keeping the dangerous Corinthians centre forward in check.
Graham W had a great chance one-on-one with the Corinthian keeper, a great dummy from Graham had the keeper on the floor anticipation a low shot but managed to stretch up and save Graham’s chip.
Ian McC had a couple of high shots, and Gaz had another couple of saves.
The Relics had a great chance to seal the points at the death with a pass from Ian McC on the left to Graham W in the centre, who found Keith S on the right but Keith’s shot was high.

Bolton 0 Relics 0
Final game of the day for the Relics Another even game with both teams playing good passing football.
The Relics had a couple of chances, Graham W found Ian McC with a great through ball, Ian was through one-on-one against the Bolton keeper but his shot was blocked by the keeper who had rushed to the edge of his are and spread himself well to block Ian’s shot.
Graham then had a good effort with a quick turn and shot saved by the keeper with his foot low down at the left hand post.
Graham was involved with a controversial incident late on in the game when he was deemed to have committed a foul that had stopped a goal scoring opportunity for Bolton. Graham received a blue card and a sending off, and Bolton were awarded a penalty. but Gaz ended a superb day for himself with an excellent save down in the bottom right hand corner.

Well played today to the Relics squad Gaz, Keith S, Ian McC, Gerry L, Alan B, Graham W, Pete Shev.

Bury Relics Over 60 Stripes continued their Greater Manchester Division 3 Walking Football Autumn league campaign in match week 2. More than half of the squad were unavailable so Pete Shev and Keith the Kit Man were drafted in to help the usual suspects of Eddy (GK), Ken, Mike, Steve M, Kodak Keith and Andy. Ken was Manager and numerous supporters were in attendance on a dry day.

First up were equal table toppers Burnley with Ken and Kodak Keith starting on the bench. The Clarets started confidently and were knocking the ball around well with their big centre forward laying the ball off delicately to their breaking midfield players.
This move worked for them 3 times in a row; Eddy making a magnificent one handed save high to his right from the first, the second flashing past the post but the third nestled in the back of the net after being stroked past Eddy. We couldn’t get a foothold in the game with only a long shot from Ken (who had replaced 2 time running offender Steve) to show for a lot of huff and puff. Just before full time they doubled the lead from a deflected shot which left Eddy wrong footed. A deserved 2-0 loss.

Next up were Bolton with Andy and Keith the Kit Man starting on the bench. They had a stronger squad than last time on show and dominated the early possession, hitting the post then Eddy saved after they had a 2 on 1. They finally punished our bad habit of giving the ball away with a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 1-0. We had to push forward with nothing to lose and had a couple of decent efforts from Ken and Steve but they also took advantage of the space we were allowing them, fortunately blasting over from another 2 on 1 and Eddy making another good stop after a nice 1-2 from them. After winning a strong challenge in the middle of the park, Mike, set up Kodak Keith who slipped it past their keeper only for it to agonisingly roll onto the post, it bounced out towards the waiting Ken who had an open goal gaping but the Bolton defender cleared the ball when it was on the line of the box – Penalty! Mike stepped up confidently but the goalie made a great diving save (pictured above) to deny us the equaliser. We continued to chase and Mike went close again with a shot that whistled past the post but Bolton shaded it 1-0.

Third up were Preston with Pete and Steve M starting on the bench. It is shaping up as a dogfight between these 2 sides for the relegation spot with both teams lying at the bottom of the table only separated by 1 point at the beginning of the day in our favour. This game was a carbon copy of the previous match week as the 2 teams cancelled each other out again although this time each team managed to create a chance from open play, a good long range shot from Andy and a well struck shot saved by Eddy’s feet. To be honest this match could have lasted 90 minutes and it would still have finished 0-0.

Our final match versus the other table toppers Moston Brook, saw Ken and Kodak Keith on the bench and was a real heartbreaker! Up to this point we had been disjointed, with little to no communication and had relied on the defensive solidity of Eddy, Pete and Keith the Kitman to keep us in the matches. Again, like last time this match saw us come together as a team and play our best football of the day against a very good side. They started fast with a 3 on 2 leading to a fierce shot which Eddy parried away with a great diving save but we then had a high level of possession which led to good chances. Andy had a goal bound shot turned round the post, from the resulting corner Steve found Andy at the farside of the D which he hit first time cross goal, beating the keeper but also the far post – so near yet so far. We continued with nice interplay round their box keeping them penned back and then Mike went on one of his trademark mazy runs which saw him 1 on 1 with the goalie but another good save kept him out. From a breakout the Brook forced Eddy into a stretching save which caused his groin to go but he carried on regardless. Just before full time the age old customary punishment for teams who fail to convert their chances was delivered when a snapshot fired high into the net caught Eddy off guard. A tough 1-0 loss.

Another difficult day for an evolving squad which is still competing in every match but by gaining only 1 point we now sit bottom of the table 1 point behind Preston who managed 3 draws on the day. Report by Ian McKinnon and photos by Pentax Pat.

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Photos

October 2024
Angry skies and a cool breeze welcomed Bury Relics to the Heywood stadium, with Bury Relics players warming up on the pitch. First thing on the agenda was a “League Huddle” and a word about bringing in Astroturf Soil into the building; the cleaners have reported a disproportionate high number of rubber particles found during clean ups (de-particle trainers before re-entering the building after games was the message). Also, very good advice, to enjoy and play football with a smile on your face.

Bury Relics had had a steady start in Septembers round of fixtures, earning them a 2nd place position in the league, on 6 points. Corinthians were sat on top of the pile on 8 points. A strong squad was available for selection that included: Keiren T (C), Eddy F (GK), Bob, Jomo, Gerry L, Ray H, Peter T and Dave M. The midfield maestro that is JW was present but was unable to play as still injured. The team manager on the day was Keith S, with Ken B and Pat acting as backup staff.

Bury Relics v Tameside
The team was set out with Keiren T up-front, Jomo and Gerry in midfield, with Bob and Dave in defence in front of Eddy in goal. Bury start strongly, with intercepting a Tameside pass, which culminates in Gerry taking a shot that just goes wide. However, Tameside create a chance, with their attacker bearing down on goal; however, Bob is close enough to get one of his long legs in the way, to make an impressive goal saving tackle. From the subsequent Bury move, Gerry is put through on goal, and his powerful and low shot cannons off the post, which Jomo is onto. However, Jomo can’t find an accurate enough finish, and the ball goes wide. As the game was progressing, one characteristic feature was that Tameside were coming out of defence but taking risks. The goalkeeper gives it to a defender, and he wanders across the front of the box, and just gets a pass through to the right-wing. It looked risky as there was not much space. And sure enough, a few minutes later, a Tameside defender tries to dribble out of defence and is robbed by an alert Jomo. There is just the keeper to beat for Jomo, as the keeper goes to ground quickly, to cover any low shot by Jomo. However, Jomo sees a completely unmarked Gerry to his right and makes a pass. Gerry easily finishes into an empty goal. Great pressure from Relics to make the goal. For the majority of the game, Relics have been in control, had more possession and the slicker passing. This was emphasised by Dave M, getting forward from the back and was involved in 2 strikes on goal (one wide and one saved). In contrast though, towards the tail end of the game, it got a bit ragged, with Bob getting pushed by a Tameside attacker and getting a corner from it. The resulting passing move from Tameside nearly gives them a goal but for an Eddy save. The final whistle finally goes with Bury Relics worthy one nil winners.
Bury Relics 1 – 0 Tameside

Bury Relics v Rochdale
The next opponents for Bury are Rochdale. There is an alteration of Bury personnel; Ray and Peter T are on for Gerry and Keiren. This game is a lot faster and 2 running offences are soon committed, one from each team. It also appears that Rochdale are marking man for man all over the pitch, so not as much space for Bury as was against Tameside. The snappy passing ends in a Rochdale interception and a swift shot that just goes wide. And again, from the subsequent Bury possession, Rochdale manage to intercept again and test out Eddy in goal, who makes a sharp save with his feet. Rochdale are on top now, and their pressure leads to a contact foul by Relics. This was due to their skilful and tricky #7 who could turn either way. In fact, if he was quicker, he could have got shots away on 2 of his attacks. Then Bury go down the other end and Jomo produces a powerful shot, that brings a great save out of their keeper (low shot to keepers right but he manages to get to it). Jomo intercepts a Rochdale pass and sets up Gerry, who passes back to Jomo; his shot goes wide. Then it’s a good interception and move by Rochdale, with quick passing, resulting in their #5 taking a low shot that has Eddy scrambling but the ball just goes past the post (very close). This game is a lot quicker and physical than the first game, and Rochdale have more shots, which are saved by Eddy. In the end a good point for Bury as it was a tough game, with Rochdale having more of the shots.
Bury Relics 0 – 0 Rochdale

Bury Relics v Burnley
Against Burnley, Bury were the dominant side, in control and having around 70 percent of possession. The 2 goals Bury scored were fabulous, with the first coming from 81 years old Bob. He could have been 61, when the ball arrived at his feet, around 8 yards outside of the area, to the right-hand side. There were players positioned all around him, but he saw a path to goal, and hit a sumptuous low and hard shot that glided across the AstroTurf, to nestle into the bottom corner of the Burnley net. Everyone was shocked as it was a long way out. The keeper was probably unsighted but he would not have saved it anyway, it was so precise. A fabulous goal, that would be nominated for goal of the month, if the Manchester Walking Football League had it. The second goal was nearly as good, coming from Peter T. He was always on the move, looking to find space to receive the ball. On one such move, he was in space, in a shootable position; he took aim and fired high, past a startled keeper, A quality finish from someone new to playing league walking football for Relics. The 2 excellent goals put Relics in a commanding position. However, Burnley kept plugging away and had several half chances by some good passing moves and enthusiastic forward play. There was to be some more drama though, as Bury ended up giving away 4 fouls and it was a penalty to Burnley. The spaghetti western style stand-off between striker and goalkeeper ensued, with Eddy’s stare coming out on top. The Striker blinked first and smashed his penalty shot against the cross-bar. I was not completely sure, but some nanograms of goalkeeper glove fibres were later recovered from the football, confirming Eddy’s claim that he got his fingertips on the ball, to divert it onto the cross-bar. In that case, was a great save!. In summary, Bury managed to keep a clean sheet and claim a good victory.
Bury 2 – 0 Burnley

Bury v Corinthians
At the start of this game Corinthians were top as they had already won their first 2 games, to give them 14 points. Bury, from their 7 point haul on the day, were sat in second place on 13 points. In terms of the league, this was a battle of the giants; however, Corinthians still had another game to go after this one. Similar to the Tameside and Burnley games, Bury Relics had the greater control of the game play, with more possession and better passing moves. The only goal of the game came from Gerry, who managed to take on a defender, take the ball wide of his challenge and finish past a diving keeper. An excellent strike. Towards the end of the game, some controversial decisions were being made by the referee, where players were giving fouls away for backing-in, when just receiving the ball with their back to goal. In this scenario, it seemed harsh to me. As a result of this, the game was getting a bit tetchy as Corinthians tried to find an equalizer. However, it was not to be and ultimately, the final result was a one nil win for Bury Relics.
Bury 1 – 0 Corinthians

All in all, what a fabulous day for Bury Relics over 70s! All players enthusiastically competed and played really well. Against all opponents, except Rochdale, Bury were in control and deserved the positive results they achieved. This league looks to be a 3-way title chase, with Bury, Rochdale and Corinthians all in the mix. As it transpired, Rochdale managed to draw with Corinthians in the final game and that enabled Bury to be top of the league at the end of the 2nd set of fixtures; Bury with 16 points and Corinthians on 15. If Bury can keep up this level of performance, there is a good chance of finishing high in the league. Many Bury Relics players turned out to support the 70s: Watford Mark, Keith H, Keith B, Ken Bon, Kev, Tex, JW, Andy and others; a good turn out of support.

Report by Dr. John and photos by Kodak Keith H.

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Photos by Kodak Keith

The over 65s defending champions turned up with a squad that consisted: Manager: Ken Buggie, Graham Walton (C), Gaz Sweeney (GK), Keith Swain, Kevin Amos, Dave Lutkevitch, Alan Blackley and Pete Shevtchenko. Players unavailable due to holiday and injury were Ian McCann and Paul Webster. It was a great day weather wise, with moderate sunshine and a nice light breeze.

Game 1 V Preston
This was a dour game with both sides cancelling each other out. Our highlight was Dave Lutkevitch crashing a fierce drive against the Preston post.
Score 0-0 draw

Game 2 V Wakefield
We started quite well against the much-fancied Wakefield side but they became more threatening as the match progressed. Luckily for the Relics, Pete Shev was having a brilliant game against Kim, the star striker from Wakefield, and also Gaz was having a fantastic game in the nets; repelling everything they could throw at us.
Score 0-0 draw

Game 3 V Corinthians
Again, a really tight game flowing from end to end with both sides having half chances but Gaz was more than up to anything they threw at him. The game turned, or rather Graham did, he sold a second dummy to the defender and smashed in with a low left foot drive, leaving the keeper with no chance. Dave Lutkevitch got himself in good positions twice after this but just couldn’t manage the finish. All in all, a pleasing result.
Score 0-1 win to Relics

Game 4 V Bolton Arena
Bolton had more of the play from the off but Relics kept battling and did get into the game more. Gaz, again, was outstanding at times but after a smart move from Bolton could not keep out a good finish. A fair result that reflected the amount of Play Bolton had.
Score 0-1 win to Bolton

The over 65s were missing Ian McCann and Paul Webster. Despite this, the Relics played well overall, in very tight games, and could have had more points but for the goalposts on a couple of occasions. On the other hand, Gaz was outstanding and kept the Relics in it several times today.

Report written by Keiren Tilley

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