Bury Relics Over 60 Stripes entered the Greater Manchester Division 3 Walking Football Autumn league after promotion last Spring. The members of the squad selected for Matchday 1 were Eddy (GK), Mark T, Steve H, Ken, Mike, Steve M, Kev and Andy. Ken was Manager Keith & numerous supporters in attendance on a dry day.

First up were Burnley with Ken and Steve H starting on the bench. As we all know well the Clarets culture is to move quick and tackle hard and they were very soon on 3 fouls but we couldn’t draw a fourth to gain a penalty as we found it difficult to get the ball up front to Andy. We competed well but left them with a spare man over too often in our half and eventually they punished us from that situation with a toebung through Eddy’s legs giving him no chance. Eddy then made the save of the match (pictured) with a full length diving stop to his bottom right from a fiercely struck cross shot. A tough 1-0 loss.

Next up were Bolton with Mark and Kev starting on the bench. This game was incredibly open with both teams pushing forward continuously. Our first attack saw an Arena defender nearly score an own goal from a pass back which agonisingly dribbled past the post for a corner. Then Steve H. hit a good shot from distance which their keeper turned round for a corner before Bolton squandered 2 good chances. We had a period of pressure in their half which resulted in Andy threading a kick in to Mike, standing totally free at the edge of the D, who controlled it and turned nicely before slotting it into the bottom corner for a 1-0 lead. Bolton immediately hit back with Eddy making a good save from a well hit shot and then equalising from an excellent curling finish. Both teams continued to trade attacks with an equal amount of chances but both keepers performed heroics to keep the scoreline at 1-1.

Third up were Preston with Andy and Steve M starting on the bench. This game was the total opposite of the previous match with 98% of the match taking place in the middle third as the 2 teams cancelled each other out. There were no decent shots on goal apart from the 2 penalties awarded, one each, which were the inevitable result of the large amount of fouls committed in the congested centre of the park. Both penalties were saved by the respective keepers to give the 0-0 result that the game deserved.

Our final match versus Moston Brook, saw Ken and Mike on the bench. This match saw us come together as a team and play our best football of the day against a very good team. In another very close game with little between the teams the difference came from their centre forward scoring a top class goal with a turn and clinical finish to see the Brook 1-0 victors.

It was always going to be difficult for a squad which this time last year were in Division 5 to adjust quickly to Division 3 especially with 2 players making their league debut for Relics. However, the positives were that we competed in every match and did not look out of place. As the day progessed there were signs of improvement especially on the defensive side in the last 2 matches as the players got to know each other’s styles better. With Burnley and Moston Brook drawing with each other and winning their other 3 matches these 2 teams are well ahead (10 pts) of the rest in the table and it look like Bolton (4 pts), us (2 pts) and Preston (1 pt) will be battling each other to stay in the league. We will improve after this first exposure to these new teams but need to turn our better performances into more points.

Report written by Ian McKinnon.

Link to match centre

Photos provided by Kodak Keith

Bury Relics Over 70’s went into their first set of fixtures of the Greater Manchester Division 1 Walking Football Autumn league campaign still struggling to fill the squad with Tex, Dave M, Ray, Peter and Woggy all unavailable. The fit members of the squad were Eddy (GK), Gerry, Keith B, Bob, JoMo, Kieran and Pat with Keith the Kit Man as Manager.

First up were Tameside with Pat starting on the bench. Tameside started the game by blasting a shot from a free kick just wide of the post. However, that was the only shot they had for the rest of the game as we dominated possession. Gerry and Jomo both had shots from distance before Jomo intercepted a throw out from their keeper from which he rattled the inside of the post from a brilliant effort. Then Keiran set up Keith for a good shot that was saved by the keeper. Gerry then played the ball square to Keiran who flashed a shot across the face. Lastly, Keiran knocked a freekick to Gerry which thumped the post just before the final whistle. A frustrating 0-0 draw, however we started the season off strongly.

Next up were Rochdale with Keith starting on the bench and we carried our good form from the first match into the beginning of this match with Jomo having 2 fine shots after being played in by Bob and then Gerry. Rochdale then got a foothold in the game playing excellent football and keeping possession for long periods. Eddy made 2 good saves with first his feet and then his hands with both going out for corners. We defended well, marshalled by Bob, with Pat covering every blade of astroturf, and held out for another 0-0 draw.

Third up were newly promoted Burnley with Pat starting on the bench. Burnley brought a higher level of physicality into the first division than previously seen but we coped well and played tidy football throughout to dominate the match with Eddy being inactive for the duration. Gerry once again hit the post after an interception and then Jomo blazed over after another good interception from the keeper. The only goal came from a lovely bit of play between Gerry and Jomo which Gerry finished high at the keepers near post leaving him no chance. We continued on the attack with Jomo knocking it up to Kieran who laid it off beautifully for Keith to hit a first time shot which the goalie dealt with well. Relics took all 3 points in a very good display, Bury finishing 1-0 victors.

Our final match versus last season’s league winners, Corinthians, saw Keith on the bench. They started well with 2 good shots on goal but we gradually came into it and an excellent turn and shot at by Gerry at the edge of the box saw us take the lead. Both sides continued to play good football and Corinthians equalized after a very good move. We nearly snatched it with another great piece of play by Gerry ending in his shot just squeezing past the post. A 1-1 draw was a fair result between two good teams.

Overall, another good day of outstanding individual performances with every player performing at the top limit of their abilities to maximise the team’s results of a win and 3 draws which leaves us 2 points behind Corinthians in second place. If we can get anywhere near a full squad out on the field then we will be challenging hard for the title.

Report written by Motherwell Ian.

Link to match centre

Bury Relics Over 60s Whites contested the first set of fixtures of their Greater Manchester Division 2 Walking Football autumn league campaign after last spring season’s relegation on a cool, dry day in Heywood. The squad was Gaz (GK), Danny, Keith S, Ian McCann, Kevin, Ian McKinnon and Graham with Ken as Manager. A frustrating day resulted in 3 draws and a loss which was a poor return considering the pressure that we exerted in 2 of the matches.

First up were Panthers, who were very well set up defensively and kept our shots to a minimum even though we had the majority of the ball. Danny shrugged off his last second call up to show great poise at the back with Kevin and they never really threatened our goal, 0-0.

Straight into the second game against Rochdale. This was a good game in which the opposition started strongly with Gaz making a tidy save to his bottom right hand corner. We then struck the first blow when a neat one-two between the 2 Ians was lashed into the roof of the net by the Scot. We were playing solidly when out of nowhere Rochdale equalised after winning possession at the edge of our box. We continued to push forward and the game opened up with chances at both ends. Graham almost put one in the top corner with a great turn and shot before Gaz made another brilliant save to his bottom right. Then our best move of the match ended with Ian McCann almost breaking the bar with a superb shot. Final score was 1-1 in a game we slightly shaded and played good football in throughout.

Match 3 v Corinthians was a very curious match indeed, starting with the Relics support thinking we were playing Kingsmaid after a very busy summer transfer window for our opponents. Corinthians had the lion’s share of possession and Gaz had a busy game but they only scored after a referee mix up with Relics thinking play had stopped. Fortunately, the overly robust physicality of the players, belying their Corinthian name, led to 4 (recorded!) fouls and a penalty which Graham expertly slotted bottom right. 1-1 felt the right score.

Our final game was against Winstanley who were newly promoted from Division 3 where they rampaged through their fixtures. They are a young, fit squad focused on winning matches with a shoot on sight centre forward. They started off fast with Gaz making 2 good saves in the first minute but as we were coming into the game and exerting some pressure they scored off a counter attack. Before we could settle they capitalised on a mistake in front of goal to go 2-0 up. We upped our game with nothing to lose and Keith shot just wide after good forward work from Graham. Their goalie then made a good save after a great free kick from Ian McCann laying it off to Graham, quickly followed by an Ian McCann shot flashing past the post from distance. They were content to hit us on the break and Gaz was still kept on his toes making a couple of excellent saves. A 2-0 loss against a strong team built for further promotion.

3 points on a day when we played so well in 2 matches was disappointing but with an over 65s squad playing in an over 60s league every point is hard won. The players gave their all so it is onto Matchday 2 in October, with Relics sitting 4th in the table looking to move up.

Report was written by Alistair (son of Motherwell Ian).

Link to match centre

A synopsis of what happened in the Martin Dawson tournament as provided by Motherwell Ian.

Group A

2-1 Win against Leeds (Kev and Graham)
1-0 Win against Rochdale (Graham)
2-3 Loss against Wakefield (Graham x2)

Finished runners up to Wakefield in group A and went on to play the winners of Group B in the semi-final.

Semi final

1-1 draw against Blackpool (Graham)
Penalty shootout
Blackpool scored
Graham scored
Blackpool scored
Kev past the post
Gaz saved
Keith scored

Sudden death
Blackpool hit post
Ian scored for Bury to win

Final

1. 0 Win against Kingsmaid (Graham) to win the tournament.

Bury Relics are the winners!

Selected Comments and report by Kevin Williams

JW comment; Great all-round performance today; a special mention for Graham who scored some good goals, topping it off in the final with his signature goal (getting the keeper to crawl on his belly and then chip him). A result of 1-0, game over and another trophy 🏆 in the cabinet.

Report By Kevin Williams

It was a somewhat disappointing turnout for the 8th Martin Dawson Memorial Trophy, with eight teams taking part on an unsettled day at Heywood Sports Village.

It was disappointing that only 6 of the 20 over 60s teams in the league took part. The biggest problem nowadays is the proliferation of tournaments both in the UK and abroad, meaning most teams are spoilt for choice on which to enter. [Ed]

There is considered opinion amongst some people that the competition, in terms of other tournaments being held throughout the country, is bigger now than it’s ever been. Whatever the case, we can only hope that this annual tradition, so much appreciated by Martin’s lovely family, and by all who wish to support the various charities that have been assisted over the years, can continue into the future.

Those teams that did appear, provided some excellent football throughout; there were some great goals, some very lucky goals, some marvellous passing moves and some comedy thrown in too!

Two groups of four teams battled it out, with the top two qualifying for the Trophy semi-finals, and the bottom two entering the Plate version.

Group Results

Group Tables

Semi Finals & Finals

Kingsmaid saw off Wakefield Wanderers by two goals to nil in the first of the major semis, with Bury Relics joining them after edging past Blackpool Senior Seasiders after a penalty shoot out in the other.

The Plate finalists were decided following an all-Leeds tussle, which was played in a very sporting spirit and was a pleasure to referee, with the Titans overcoming Morley.

Rochdale AFC Strollers were left to rue their ill fortune when being pipped by the one goal from Manchester Corinthians.

Bury Relics proved to be popular winners of the main trophy, just squeezing past a determined Kingsmaid side in the final. Congratulations to the lads who, it seems, everyone knows at the Heywood Sports Village!

Congratulations also to the Corinthians who needed penalties to overcome Leeds Titans, in a tight finish.

The biggest round of applause should go however, to the organisers, referees, supporters, and yes, the players, for a great afternoon’s sport on a typically unpredictable Great British Summer’s afternoon.

Photos by Kodak Keith

For Spring 2024, Bury Relics over 60s Stripes had already won their league, and the over 70s were runners up in a competitive top division with an unrecognizable team to the usual, which had won multiple prior championships. Ergo, could Bury Relics over 65s keep the success flowing at the club? The answer is a resounding Yes! Bury Relics are champions of the top division for the over 65s age group. Sensationally, tremendous!

Manchester’s one or two days a year of sunshine coincided with the final set of over 65s fixtures. On the day, the management consisted Ken Bug as head coach with back-up from Keiren T and Sir Pat. The chosen squad for the day contained 8 players to contest the last 4 games of the season: Gaz (GK), Graham (C), Pete S, Paul, Kevin, Keith S, Alan and Ian Mack-hinio.

The situation in the table before play showed that Bury were 2 points behind leaders Wakefield, who also had a +3 better goal difference than Bury Relics. In addition, Manchester Corinthians sat in third place, a further 2 points behind Relics. It was conceivable, with a freak set of results, that even last placed Blackpool could finish first or second but realistically, the title was going to one of the top three sides.

Team	Goal Difference	Points
Wakefield	4	19
Bury Relics	1	17
Corinthians	0	15

Bury Relics Over 65’s versus Bolton Arena 65’s
To see the highlights of the game, including a calm and measured rebound finish by captain Graham W, click-here.

To watch the entire match, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics Over 65’s 1 – 0 Bolton Arena 65’s

After the first games, Bury managed to close the points gap courtesy of their win and Wakefield’s draw, to go equal top and increase their GD by 1, However, Bury were still in 2nd on GD.

Team	Goal Difference	Points
Wakefield	4	20
Bury Relics	2	20
Corinthians	0	16

Bury Relics Over 65’s versus Blackpool Senior Seasiders 65’s
To see the highlights of the game where our resident Brazilian Ian Mack-hinio scores from close to the corner flag and who also brings out the back-heel nutmeg again (it was no fluke against Fleetwood earlier this season), click-here.

To watch the entire match, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics Over 65’s 1 – 0 Blackpool Senior Seasiders 65’s

The results after the second games meant Wakefield remained top, despite Bury winning, and Wakefield increasing their goal difference superiority by one.

Team	Goal Difference	Points
Wakefield	6	23
Bury Relics	3	23
Corinthians	1	19

Bury Relics Over 65’s versus Wakefield Wanderers 65’s
To see the highlights of the game, click-here.

To watch the entire match, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics Over 65’s 0 – 0 Wakefield Wanderers 65’s

After the third game for Bury, all teams in the top 3 drew, so all positions in the table remained the same going into the last games.

Team	Goal Difference	Points
Wakefield	6	24
Bury Relics	3	24
Corinthians	1	20

Bury Relics Over 65’s versus Manchester Corinthians 65’s
To see the highlights of the game, including the late championship winning Toe-Bung by Ian Mack-hinio, click-here.

To watch the entire match, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics Over 65’s 1 – 0 Manchester Corinthians 65’s

Bury Relics over 65s are champions of Manchester Walking Football League division 1 as Wakefield drew their last game and the legend of the Toe-Bung handed Bury the title, in the final moments of their game against Corinthians. Final Table;

Team	Goal Difference	Points
Bury Relics	4	27
Wakefield	6	25
Corinthians	0	20

On the day, Bury Relics were the best team, with more attacking play that any of the other sides. Three wins and a draw are almost a clean sweep and that is a championship winning performance. However, Bury probably owe Blackpool a drink or two as they fought for a 1-1 draw for the final game against Wakefield, while Bury were playing Corinthians. As well as Bury played today, they didn’t score against Wakefield and that goal/draw for Blackpool gave Bury the two extra points and the league title. At the final whistle of Bury’s game, most players were happy to think they had finished runners up, but the news got through they were in fact champions. This was one of the happiest moments I have experienced with the Relics, everyone was totally stunned and completely elated when they realized they had won. The Pie and Peas tasted even better and it was fun taking photos of team players holding the trophy. Here is captain Graham picking up the trophy (click-here). Fabulous team effort and deservedly champions, the club put on a colossal effort with their organization and training sessions and reaped their rewards with a superb championship win. Congratulations Relics!

Report by Dr. John.

Photos

A sensational day for the Bury Relics Stripes, who maintain their good play from last fixtures to complete a league championship win. The squad that helped achieve this success consisted: Eddy (GK and C), Fast Ken, Andy Van R, Mark T, Mitoma Mike, Mark E, Steve H and Iain D. Manager Ken Bug, with back up staff Keiren T, Pat and Keith S. The following report was written by the star striker of the day, Andy Van R.

Just to put a bit of meat on the bones of today’s matches (for those who weren’t there).
The Stripes had started the day 3pts above their nearest rivals (Ribble).

Game 1 v Salcombe (To watch, click-here).

As much as we dominated, we couldn’t score, the big moment was when Mark E was through and barged from the side, the Ref played on, but later admitted (to be fair to him) he should have given a penalty.
Result was a 0-0 draw.

With Ribble winning, we had to beat our next opponent.

Game 2 v Wakefield (To watch, click-here).
Always a tough game and this was no different.

Penalty to us, up stepped Mike to beat the keeper 1-0, Wakefield went all out attack, twice leaving us with 3 on 1, but alas we couldn’t get the second.

Then disaster struck, Eddie who (unbelievably) hadn’t been beaten all season (15 games and counting) conceded, although it wasn’t his fault and was very dubious, the goal stood.

Result was a 1-1 draw.

We had drawn 2, while Ribble had won all 3 of their games, so now 4pts behind.

Game 3 v Roach (To watch, click-here).

Obviously, now a must win game, and win we did a great move, including a lovely pass from Ken, which was swept in by Andy Van R.

Result was a 1-0 to the Stripes

Now the big one.

Game 4 v Ribble (To watch, click-here).
Very tight game with plenty of tension and fouls, with 2 mins to go the Ref warned that both teams were on 3 fouls.

Another foul by Ribble gave Bury the chance, the keeper went one way, the ball was sent the other way by Andy Van R, jubilation on the sidelines was quickly cut short, within 1 minute Ribble had their pen, their captain dispatched it low and hard into the corner, but one lad decided he wasn’t going to be beaten, and somehow got finger tips to it to push it wide (Great save Eddie👏).

Result was a 1-0 to the Stripes.

The league was now back in our hands.

Game 5 v Bolton (To watch, click-here).
No love lost between the two teams and not much in the game, once again both teams ended up with 3 fouls in the dying minutes. Then Bolton committed their 4th, so another penalty, once again, dispatched to the opposite side by the ice-cool Andy Van R.

This time, however, Bury Relics Stripes kept their discipline (and more importantly the ball) to see the game out, to much celebrating from our fans at the final whistle.

Result was a 1-0 to the Stripes.

Well done boys… CHAMPIONS 🏆

Congratulations to the Stripes, it is phenomenal to win the league and the team looks very strong. It creates an interesting possibility; if the 60s whites stay in division 2 next season, and the Stripes have another great season to get promoted again, a question is, can 2 Bury Relics teams play in the same 60s division? Hopefully, both 60s teams get promoted next year, so the issue is obsolete. In any case, what a fabulous achievement by the Stripes!

Report by Andy Van R, photos by Kodak Keith and Iain D. The videos from Nev, Ken, Motherwell Ian and his son Alistair.

Photos

Usually, the over 70s squad is brimming with former players of the season, including John W, Tex, Jomo and Keiren T. However, none of those players and other regulars were available to assist the Relics in challenging for the division one title. The situation was similar in the last round of games but despite that, played well to give Relics an outside but genuine chance of the title. Relics were sat in 2nd place, 5 points adrift of top placed Corinthians. In contrast, the Relics were level with Rochdale, and could easily drop down to third. To project the context of a make-shift team, only the bare 6 players were available, with only Pat the Cat on emergency standby. The squad for the day consisted of Eddy (C), Gerry L, Ray, Bob, Keith B and Dave M, with emergency cover from Pat.

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Tameside Striders Blues 70’s
To watch the full game, click-here.

To see the best of the action that includes Gerry’s penalty, click-here.
Final Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 1 – 0 Tameside Striders Blues 70’s

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Blackpool SS 70’s
To watch the full game, click-here.

To see the best of the action, the pinnacle being 81 yo Bob’s clinical finish, click-here.
Final Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 1 – 0 Blackpool SS 70’s

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Manchester Corinthians 70’s
To watch the full game, click-here.

To see the best of the action, click-here.
Final Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 0 – 0 Manchester Corinthians 70’s

Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Rochdale AFC Strollers 70’s
To watch the full game, click-here.

To see the best of the action, click-here.
Final Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 0 – 0 Rochdale AFC Strollers 70’s

Bury played excellently, to attain 2x 1-0 wins and 2x goalless draws. The team on the day just gelled, and played some flowing pass and move football. With the exception of Corinthians, Relics created more chances to score in all games and the passing and understanding by everyone was outstanding. Even more so, considering it was a make-shift team. Bob’s goal was excellent, as Blackpool tried to take a quick free-kick to gain some space but it was a mistake, as Praying “BOB” Mantis read it precisely and pounced to flourish a fine finish into the roof of the net. Against Tameside, it was a 4-foul penalty, coolly dispatched by Gerry, to give Relics the other win. Eddy the Eagle was on form and kept shots out from Corinthians and Rochdale in particularly. All the players did brilliantly on the day and it was a good team performance. Well done Bury Relics over 70s!

The Greater Manchester Walking Football League is excellently organised and the presentation do that they put on after is enjoyable. The food was tremendous and it was a comedy moment when Bury players managed to win the first 3 Raffle prizes and 4 out of the 6 in total (Pat x2, Dave and Eddy all winning). Eddy was captain and had the privilege of picking up the runners up trophy (watch here). The management and staff, guided and gave the team lots of support: Ken Bug, Keiren T, Keith S and Pat. Report by Dr. John and photos by Kodak Keith.

Pictures

Bury Relics Over 70’s went into their third set of fixtures of the Greater Manchester Division 1 Walking Football Spring league campaign still struggling to fill the squad with Tex, Gerry, Tony and Woggy all unavailable. The fit members of the squad were Eddy (GK), Dave M, Keith B, Peter, Bob, JoMo, Ray (making his debut) with Pat on standby, if absolutely necessary, but who went unused, with Keith as Manager.

Another solid day resulted in a 1-0 win, 2 nil-nil draws and a 1-0 loss which leaves us 5 points behind Corinthians in equal second with Rochdale and 3 points in front of Tameside with Blackpool adrift a further 11 points behind them. The Runners-Up Trophy is definitely a possibility although it will be hard-fought on the final day with top spot now only a very outside chance.

First up were Tameside with Keith starting on the bench. Ray added a new dimension with his ability to hit a fierce left foot shot increasing our shot count from the get go. We played good football which resulted in 3 good shots from Ray, all on target and well saved by their keeper. Peter, who was having to play far more forward than normal, had a great turn and shot from a JoMo throughball which their goalie again saved. Tameside were contained by quality defending by Bob and Dave and we looked a lot more confident and comfortable than in Match week 2 when injuries crippled us. A good performance by us for a 0-0.

Next up were Blackpool with Peter starting on the bench. We dominated possession and our forward trio of Ray, JoMo and Keith worked well together. Ray had already had a good shot at the start of the match before JoMo found him with a nice pass, which he controlled well, before shimmying past the defender and firing low across the keeper into the bottom left hand corner. For once we then kept the ball expertly and pushed forward to see out a very good win with more shots from JoMo, Keith and Ray. The only downside in our 1-0 win was a late tumble for Ray which aggravated a pre existing rib injury.

Third up were league leaders’ Corinthians with Keith starting on the bench. Last time out they absolutely battered us but this time the game was completely even as both teams cancelled each other out. No chances were created and it was the tale of two penalties: they scored but we missed to see them emerge victorious 1-0.

Our final match v Rochdale, saw Peter on the bench. We started well, stroking the ball about for a 30 pass move but then the game became frantic as both team pushed for a goal. Again few chances were created and the best of them fell to the Strollers but Eddy made a great save, even better after a morning of mostly inaction for him, to keep the game scoreless. Three 0-0s in a row between these 2 teams who cannot be separated in the table even on goal difference. This sets up these 2 to play off in the final game of the season in what could well be a winner takes 2nd place game.

Report by Motherwell Ian and Photos by Kodak Keith H.

Photos