Manchester Walking Football June 2024
Manchester Walking Football June 2024
All Reports By Kevin Williams
Week 1 – Over 70s Division 1 & Over 60s Divisions 1 & 2
Over 70s Report
Manchester Corinthians made a winning start in their ultimately successful bid to retain the 1st Division title at a wet and windy HSV on Wednesday, beating Rochdale in a controversial opening match. With a very experienced side out on the pitch, they then proceeded to show some astute game management to keep a further 3 clean sheets and their unbeaten record for the season. Well done to everyone involved.
Bury Relics did their level best to catch up, also avoiding a breach of their goals, and bagging 8 points as they claimed the runners up spot.
None of the remaining pack, except Blackpool Senior Seasiders, could register a win on the day, which seemed to sum up their season. However, the biggest disappointment came when Blackpool’s Steve Hyde suffered a nasty arm injury and left the centre in a sling, facing quite some time on the sidelines. I’m sure everyone at the GMWFL wishes you a speedy recovery Steve, and we hope to see you back soon at Heywood.
Over 60s Report
You won’t find a much nicer bunch of lads than at Bury Relics, so it gave me no pleasure at all on Thursday to hear that my prediction they might get relegated became fact. I’ve been there too many times before myself! But I also know that there is life in the lower divisions, and Bury will surely be competing to return to Division 1 next Autumn.
Another very popular club were at the opposite end of the table, and not for the first time. Paul Gardner mentioned Wakefield Wanderers’ ability to stay at or near the top of proceedings over the years, and it’s testament to their powers of regeneration that they bag silverware on a regular basis at all age groups and levels.
Once again the Yorkshire side [West Yorkshire, I remembered!] showed the way, surging clear by 6 points in one of the most competitive leagues in the country. The huge round of applause they received at the post match presentation was well deserved.
The quality of the chasing clubs needs no advertising. Bolton Wanderers Blues, Fleetwood Town Flyers and Kingsmaid would probably win the majority of other competitions they enter, which says so much about this league, and especially Wakefield Wanderers!
In Division 2 three clubs went into the final day with very real chances of winning the title, two points separating Panthers WFC, Blackpool Senior Seasiders and Rochdale AFC Strollers in that order. It went down to the wire, despite Blackpool suffering an opening game defeat at the hands of Manchester Corinthians. The Panthers couldn’t do more than draw against the same opposition and that opened a gap for Rochdale, but unfortunately for the Lancashire club they failed to grab the opportunity, drawing their first 3 games 0-0.
Corinthians had a great day bagging 8 points, and although Preston North End Senior Whites played really well they continued to drop points, their season in a nutshell. With Panthers failing to put the title battle to bed, all eyes were on the final game between Rochdale and Blackpool. A win for the former gave them the runners up spot; for the latter the Championship.
In an almost completely one-sided event, the Seasiders dominated the game and deservedly took the plaudits. It’s probably the best I’ve seen them play this season, which is some achievement. They’ll hold their own with the big boys, no doubt. It was tough on the Panthers who were up there all season, but they’ll approach next season with justified confidence.
Week 2 – Over 70s Division 2 & Over 60s Divisions 3 & 4
Over 70s Report
Burnley Clarets attempt at emulating the Arsenal Invincibles of a few years back came to fruition on Wednesday, when they completed the full season unbeaten, and with 16 clean sheets to boot. When you add this to a similarly unbeaten run during last term, you can see why the Clarets are looking for a new trophy cabinet.
The quality of this Division is clear to see, when you notice that the champions drew 11 of those games, obviously winning five; they actually won LESS games than runners up Salcom, but relied heavily on their defensive strength throughout the team, the best teams defend from the front it would seem. Congratulations to all at Burnley Clarets, and my personal thanks to John Walton for his input to my report content over the season.
Rochdale AFC Striders seemed to have given themselves a chance of escaping the drop when they took four points from their opening two games. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be, as they couldn’t back it up and can now look forward to paddling in slightly calmer waters in September.
Salcom will fancy their chances of following Burnley Clarets into Division 1 next season, and it’s far from impossible for Preston North End Senior Whites and Bolton Arena to make a fight of it given that only five points separated the middle three at the final whistle.
Over 60s Report
It was Groundhog Day for Rochdale AFC Striders in Division 3, who ended a miserable season without a win, and just four points to show for their efforts this term. I’ve watched them all season, and it’s not for the lack of effort, but Division 4 beckons for the Dale, making it two relegations in two days.
Winstanley Walkers marched on relentlessly garnering a remarkable total of 42 points from 16 games. I’ve watched them an awful lot this season too, and they will have no fear stepping up a level or two. A big well done to the Wiganers; without doubt no pie eaters in this team!
In another Division, in another season, the 25 points won by both Bolton Wanderers Whites and Moston Brook FC might have won the league, but the former had to settle for runners up. With both teams gaining 25 points and the same goal difference, it went to a penalty shootout. In a tense few minutes Bolton won the day with a 3-2 win. Burnley Clarets ended the season comfortably clear of Rochdale, but will be looking to do better next season.
In this whirlwind of Division 4, another unbeaten record saw Bury Relics Blues edge out Ribble Valley WFC by just two points. Well done to the cracking bunch of lads at Bury, it was good to see them getting up for a trophy instead of the 6 or 7 raffle prizes they usually win at the post match presentation.
Wakefield Wanderers Whites, Salcom and Bolton Arena can give a nod towards a very healthy points totals for the season. Swap a couple of defeats for draws, or better still wins, and any of the trio could be in business in the Autumn league. Roach Dynamos continued to struggle manfully on, but Chris Reynolds and the lads appear to have a mountain to climb to continue.
Week 3 – Over 70s Division 3 & Over 65s Divisions 1 & 2
Over 70s Report
In Division 3 the title race went down to the wire thanks to a determined effort by newcomers Hawarden Strollers, and something of a late collapse by leaders Winstanley Walkers.
The final match of the season was just edged by the Welsh side, and one more score would have sealed the deal on goal difference; but it was not to be, and even an unfortunate late penalty miss by the Wiganers failed to wrench the Championship trophy from their hands. All credit to both teams for a great season of senior football, and congratulations to Winstanley Walkers.
Credit is also due to the other three sides, who I had the pleasure of refereeing many times throughout the season; Tameside Striders Greens, Panthers WFC and Moston Brook FC. All played the game in the right way, in tremendous spirit. All of the players were a pleasure to work with and I hope to have more opportunities next Autumn.
Over 65s Report
In Division 1 Bury Relics produced a stunning 10-point haul on the final day to overtake the Wakefield Wanderers challenge at the death. The High Noon shootout proved to be the Yorkshire club’s best chance of sealing the deal, but a goalless draw put paid to that hope. Congratulations Bury!
Wakefield will look at the ‘Draw’ column and know that just one chance may have swung things their way as the Red Rose side nosed ahead by only two points, but both clubs can take great satisfaction from a superb season.
There was no disgrace for the trailing clubs as Manchester Corinthians, Bolton Arena and Blackpool Senior Seasiders all picked up decent point tallies along the way, in a division where there are some very good players indeed; a credit to walking football, and especially the GMWFL.
Preston North End Senior Whites came into the final day’s fixtures in Division 2 with a very nice cushion of a dozen points, but they applied themselves in exactly the same way as they had in the previous 3 months of games in a very competitive division. It was a tremendous campaign by the ‘All Reds’ with eight wins and eight draws, well done Ray Richards and everyone associated with the team.
Rochdale AFC Strollers survived a mid morning blip when a single mistake was punished by the Moston Brook FC lads, but recovered by virtue of a quite outstanding piledriver from Howard Fisher to give them an unassailable 4 point lead over their remaining rivals to clinch runners up spot.
Panthers WFC and Manchester Citizens were only separated from Rochdale by 7 and 8 points overall, which gives you an idea of how close everyone was, apart from the top dogs!
Week 4 – Over 65s Divisions 3 & 4
Over 65s Report
In Division 3 Winstanley Walkers quick marched to another league title at a – thankfully – cooler HSV on Thursday; have I mentioned that name before? A season long unbeaten record was extended and the Wiganers were 10 points ahead of Salcom, who pipped Rochdale AFC Striders for the runners up spot by just the one point.
The former side also kept a clean sheet on the day, as did Rochdale, there was a dearth of goals all day long, with the unfortunate Burnley Clarets alone in conceding in each of their three matches.
Once again, it’s hats off to Winstanley who will replace Manchester Citizens in Division 2, and who would back against them?
There was another familiar name in Division 4, both club and player wise, hitting the heights in the bottom division this week. Manchester Corinthians sealed the deal when picking up 7 points from three games to clinch another title.
It was long time GMWFL player Mick Tarpey who stole the headlines, notching a superb goal that was reminiscent of his glory days before illness took him out of the game and on the sidelines for the best part of two years. Mickey is making slow but steady progress back up the ladder to health and this was a timely reminder of what he’s always been capable of. Well done to Mick and Corinthians!
Yes, it was a pleasure to see Mick score a great penalty and also receive the winners cup at the post match presentation[Ed]
This was a tighter division than some, so praise is due to Wakefield Strollers and Ribble Valley WFC for keeping it interesting to the end. Both level on points and goal fifference, the runners up spot was decided on a penalty shootout. With the score 2-2 after the first 3 penalties, it became sudden death and Ribble Valley WFC were victorious by a 3-2 margin.
Sadly Tameside Striders Whites couldn’t break their duck for the season and three more defeats left them well adrift. Better luck next season lads.
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The final whistles have been blown and another great season has drawn to a close at Heywood, as a club we would like to say thank you to everyone involved from the committee, referees, Rochdale Trust & all the other volunteers who make it happen once a month in the Spring & Autumn Leagues.
Also, it is always good to meet up and play against a superb set of opposition players who make the matches competitive yet very enjoyable.
Looking forward to September when we kick off again, all the best to everyone from Winstanley Walkers FC.
Thanks to Kev for the report as usual, the organisation and running of the last round of over 65s ran smoothly thanks to Paul, Bill, and Steve, plus all the referees, no games without them.
Corinthians Whites managed to take the division title, so well done Ron Blakeley, who got the team playing some fantastic football. It was great to see and this month I was able to actually be a part of it. I really enjoyed finally getting back onto the pitch playing some proper competitive football and thanks to all my team mates and the manager for trusting me with that penalty. What a fantastic feeling when that went in. I’ve missed that buzz so much.
Thanks to Pete Hampson for doing all the work behind the scenes and my last and biggest thank you goes to my wife Jane, who has to put up with my football stories. See you all soon.
Mick T Manchester Corinthians 😎⚽️🏆
Thanks for the good wishes Kevin.
The arm is very sore and muscles weak with damaged ligaments and tendons.
Fracture clinic check tomorrow to be sure after 4 hours at the drop in centre last Wednesday!
Big thanks to the young lady who 1st aided me at the sports centre. Star member of staff. Also thanks to all who have messaged me with concern and best wishes. What a great set of folks to be associated with.
As Big Arnie said “I’ll be back” …. But not for a while. What a pain in the elbow.
It was another top season and despite winning the league by 6 points it was still in the balance until the last match. If Bolton had won they would have been the champions on goal difference. Many thanks to all the teams for some great games and also to the match officials and committee of the GMWFL for all the hard work and efforts that they make to run this terrific league. Many thanks from all at WWFC.