Martin Dawson Memorial Trophy 2024
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.
A similar comment to Steve’s – Wakefield played and won the inaugural Martin Dawson Trophy and we were then invited to join the GMWFL having missed the first season. We have thoroughly enjoyed our now regular visits over to Heywood and always look to ensure we support this particular event. As always, with any Heywood event, very well organised and officiated and played in the right spirit. Our thanks to Martin’s family for continuing to support the event in his memory.
Another great day, the Martin Dawson tournament is very important and although there were a few of the regular participants missing it was great to see different teams taking their place. Let’s hope next season’s opener will attract even more teams. Well done to all the players that took part and thanks to the referees without who we couldn’t play and thanks to the organisers once again. Hope to see you all in league action soon 😎⚽️Mick T
Blackpool send their thanks for another great day out at Heywood. It was attending one of the first Martin Dawson Competitions that led us to joining the GMWFL all those year’s ago, such was the organisation and friendly atmosphere.
Well done to all the teams taking part and congratulations to winners and runners up. We look forward to the leagues kicking off again later this week.