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

11th April 2024
Bury Relics Over 60 Stripes went into their second set of fixtures of the Greater Manchester Division 4 Walking Football Spring league campaign handily placed after a good first round in a very closely contested Division. The members of the squad were Eddy (GK), Mark T, Steve, Ken, Mike, Iain D, Nev and Andy. Ken was Manager, Keiran as Assistant Manager plus Kodak Keith & several supporters in attendance on a dry day. A strong defensive day resulted in a 1-0 win followed by 4 nil-nils which are the 2 most usual results in a 6 team league with 12 minute matches.

First up were Salcom with Ken & Nev starting on the bench. A very tight game with few shots but a great deal of running from both sides as they both wanted to get off to a fast start. Our best chance came after a great move between Andy and Iain set up Steve striding up from the back with a shooting chance from 10 yards which rattled the post after a fierce strike. Eventually, Salcom hit the 4 foul mark before us which gave us a penalty. Andy coolly put it away with aplomb to put us in the driving seat. We saw out the game sitting on 3 fouls which was a nerve racking watch for those on the sidelines but a 1-0 win was happily taken by all.

Next up were Wakefield with Andy and Steve as subs. We had the majority of the possession with Nev taking up Andy’s usual forward position and he was involved in our best 2 moves. Firstly, linking up well with Iain to put Mike in a good position but the keeper saved well and then slipping the ball into Ken’s path who agonisingly drove it across the face of the goal just sliding past the post. We did have the odd defensive lapses leaving their player free on the left but he kept shooting wide. We slightly shaded it but 0-0 was a fairish result.

Third up were Roach with Mike and Mark starting on the bench. We started like a house on fire, dominating possession and stroking the ball around. Nev had a good shot which was followed by Ken hitting the post after walking onto a great pass from Iain. Andy was taking up good position, controlling balls into feet and helping us get up the pitch but after 2 highly controversial 50/50 decisions going against him he had to be replaced by Mike. This adversely affected us and we never got back into the same flow plus we were scared of drawing more fouls. A 0-0 draw felt like 2 points dropped.

The penultimate game was against Ribble Valley with Ken and Nev as subs. As often happens our opponents dominated possession but Steve and Mark defended manfully and it turned into a poor, scrappy game. We only had one chance of note when Andy had a shot on the turn. Eddy dealt with all their shots comfortably and another 0-0 ensued.

Our final match saw us take on Bolton with Ken and Mark starting on the bench. Another tight game with Iain firing in 3 good shots and Mike having a good shot well saved after a typical mazy run. Bolton finished strongly with Eddy making a strong save with his foot and then they hit the inside of the post from a well worked corner move. A goalless draw again.

Overall, it was 7 well earned points which took the Stripes to equal top of the table with Ribble on 16 points but 3 goals worse off, at the halfway point of the season.