Manchester Walking Football November 2024

All Reports By Kevin Williams

Week 1 – Over 70s Division 1 & Over 60s Divisions 1 & 2

Over 70s Report

Bury Relics continued to stay unbeaten this season, a feat that makes them very warm favourites to take the title back across the M66 come December. A very clever back heel from the returning Eric Lloyd wrong footed Rochdale AFC Strollers keeper Alan Thomson, who just the day before had been on trial at the England IWFF set up along with fellow Dale stalwart Terry Williams.

Only Manchester Corinthians have a hope of catching the Relics, and their hopes were hit when they dropped points in three of the four games they played. The deficit of one point at the end of October has now grown to five, but the Manchester lads will know that four games can change things very quickly.

Burnley Clarets were surely relieved to get to Heywood with a lot less hassle than last month, and it showed as they picked up 5 points and a first victory of the season, Derek Sadler’s winner against Tameside Striders Blues providing the Clarets with a lifeline going into the finale.

Over 60s Report

Kingsmaid’s draw against relegation rivals Wakefield Wanderers in Division 1 probably suited the Yorkshiremen much more than their opponents. A four-point gap is far from insurmountable, however, a lot of eyes will be focussed on that 12.20 fixture next month.

Both of the seaside clubs, Fleetwood Town Flyers and Blackpool Senior Seasiders, will be looking to launch one more assault on the top position, where Bolton Wanderers hold a very handy lead in both points and goal difference of five. The Wanderers dropped points with three draws today, but would probably take more of the same next month. They’ll know it doesn’t matter how many points you gather, as long as it’s more than the next team!

In Division 2 it doesn’t take Mystic Meg to predict that Winstanley Walkers will be playing in the top tier next March, nor to state that they will definitely not be out of place with the big boys. They have a well drilled team, score goals – a dozen in four games today alone – and concede very few, and a good bunch of guys to boot!

Behind them, Manchester Corinthians dropped off the pace, starting with a game of two penalties, one missed, and then one scored. This time Lady Luck smiled on Rochdale AFC Strollers who snatched a desperately needed win to give them some hope of escaping the drop. One of my mates in the Corinthians line up said that we’d pass each other in the final tables, but that possibility disappeared during the session as the Dale picked up just the one further point. The Heywood based side recovered to pick up four points and remain in with a shout of picking up the second prize.

Panthers, and to a lesser degree Bury Relics Whites, could snatch that from Corinthians hands, but they will also have a close eye on Rochdale, who need to pick up points throughout the December games to save their 2nd Division lives. A fascinating final day awaits.

Week 2 – Over 70s Division 2 & Over 60s Divisions 3 & 4

Over 70s Report

League Treasurer and committee member Steve Colesby couldn’t get over the fact that ALL the Wednesday games in the 70s Division 2 ended all square, and with only two goals scored to boot! In fairness to him, that was quite an event, and one that encapsulated just how well drilled teams are these days.

Preston North End Senior Whites maintained a four point lead on nearest rivals Salcom yesterday, at a dull but dry Heywood Sports Village. The goalless draw between the two sides will have suited the leaders without a shadow of doubt, and I think they’d settle for more of the same in December.

Winstanley Walkers still harbour outside hopes of catching the top team, but will need to win their opener against Bolton Arena before trying to overcome the leaders at 11.40. A big ask, but not impossible. Bolton Arena and Blackpool Senior Seasiders will be looking to avoid the drop. It’s very much all to play for next month.

Over 60s Report

Burnley Clarets remained unbeaten in Division 3 today at a gloriously sunny Heywood Sports Village, and that leaves them in pole position heading into the final round of games next month. Moston Brook FC gave it a good go in the fight to close the gap, winning two games, but crucially coming unstuck against the Clarets in the High Noon showdown. That game was pivotal and the Lancashire club will take some catching now. Pete Gregory is the toast of the town up there, hitting all three of his side’s goals.

Bolton Wanderers Whites will be reasonably pleased with four draws, leaving the relegation dog fight to Preston North End Senior Whites and Bury Relics Blues. Both teams are without a win so far and their midday clash next month will be so important.

In Division 4 Salcom inflicted the first reversal of the season today on leaders Wakefield Wanderers Whites, a tremendous result for the Salford club. However, they will need to emulate that feat in December to have any realistic chance of overhauling the West Yorkshire club, who remain six points clear with four games to play.

Rochdale AFC Striders picked up five useful points to give themselves a fighting chance of avoiding the wooden spoon. Mick Tarpey fired four of their five goals on the day to prove, again, what a good signing he has been.

It’s great to see Mick doing so well after his serious health problems. He was always a top scorer, winning the Golden Boot in previous seasons. He has always remained totally positive when the situation looked extremely bleak for him, well done Mick. [Ed]

Bolton Arena slipped to the foot of the table after failing to register a point or a goal, whilst Ribble Valley WFC had another decent day with five points going their way. There are some fascinating games to look forward to as the curtain falls on another season, in just four weeks time.

Week 3 – Over 70s Division 3 & Over 65s Divisions 1 & 2

Over 70s Report

It was a cold and frosty morning in Heywood yesterday, but it was still a well attended session as always. Rochdale AFC Striders chances of a trophy disappeared into the November sunshine with a disappointing two points gathered on the day. The focus now is on staying off the bottom!

Only seven points separate the entire division though, and the top four will still harbour hopes of glory come December. None more so than Wigan Walkers who edged to the top with 3 wins and a draw from the five games.

Moston Brook FC will probably need to reverse their 2-0 defeat at the Pie-Eaters hands yesterday to have a realistic chance of overhauling them, but the threat from Tameside Striders Greens and Ribble Valley WFC shouldn’t be underestimated.

A fascinating finale awaits, and it’s far from a foregone conclusion as to who will pick up the trophy at the presentation lunch.

Footnote: The fixtures for the over 65s Divisions 1 & 2 were postponed due to ice on the pitches and this session has been brought forward to 16th January, again weather permitting. [Ed]

Week 4 – Over 65s Divisions 3 & 4

Over 65s Report

Manchester Corinthians Whites had the 3rd Division title wrapped up before their final clash of the season against eventual runners-up Manchester Citizens at a cold but sunny Heywood Sports Village today. Salcom’s defeat of Burnley Clarets at the same time was therefore rendered something of a dead rubber.

Congratulations to both of the Manchester clubs, especially Corinthians who eventually pulled clear by 5 points. The candle of hope flickered briefly for Rochdale AFC Striders, when an opening defeat of Citizens closed the gap momentarily, but despite stand in ‘keeper Val Mears heroics they couldn’t maintain the momentum and will play in the basement division in March.

Ribble Valley WFC garnered six points from 3 games today, to maintain the status quo and take the Fourth Division trophy back up the M6. Wakefield Strollers brave attempt fell short, despite a close victory against the champions late on in the session, their one and only loss of the season.

Wigan Walkers and Tameside Striders Whites will hope that the 2025 Spring season brings a little more joy. Congratulations to Ribble Valley WFC and Wakefield Strollers on their success, and good luck to the first named in the 3rd Division next season.

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