19th February

Slow Match report by Geoff

BLACKS….3 versus REDS….2

Last Monday at the Polideportivo it was again necessary to play two games due to numbers.

This report is for the 7 aside old farts and those less able match.

The match was slightly delayed due to Rick wearing the wrong coloured bib, this no doubt as a result of being unable to see through his ‘pop star’ hair style of a bygone era!

In a somewhat uneventful first half Dave M gave the Blacks an early lead with a rasping low shot giving Boris the soon to be octogenarian in goal no chance to save.

The second session after the statutory water break started with Alan (Canada) slotting one past Rick now in the Reds goal, he again seemed to be having problems seeing the ball with his long silver locks blowing across his face in the wind!

2-0 to Blacks.

Then there was an amusing comedy of errors moment when Welsh Steve in the Blacks goal had to redeem himself by making two successive excellent saves from miss kicked clearances. It was therefore no surprise that such actions incurred the wrath of his teammate Bambi.

2-0 to Blacks at the break.

Third session began with Ken missing a sitter to pull a goal back for the Reds following a superb through pass from the Owl.

The Owl then scored for the Reds following a flowing passing movement from defence to pull the score back.

2-1 to the Blacks.

The Reds almost immediately restored their 2 goal lead when Alan C scored following an astute  pass from Fish who had abandoned his normal defensive duties to play up front in attack.

3-1 Blacks at the break.

In the last session the Reds missed a hatful of chances and could easily have equalised.

By now, Fish showing his versatility, made a fine save in the Blacks goal  from a low shot from the ever dangerous Owl.

Then Bambi was penalised for encroachment into his own goal area which, as expected, he verbosely disputed.

Such dramatics did not put old stager Ken off in the slightest as he slotted the ball into the back of the net with ease.

3-2 Blacks.

Then in added time there was controversy when the Reds were given an INDIRECT free kick just outside the Blacks goal area, the Owl thought he had equalised when Fish punched the ball into his own net. ‘No’ said the referee, who correctly disallowed the goal under walking football rules.

FT 3-2 to Blacks.

In conclusion in view of recent comments some of which have been posted on the clubs What!s App, it is pleasing to note that this particular match was played in the main within the rules of walking football. unlike others on occasions.

The excuse I cannot stop myself running doesn’t wash and it is spoiling the enjoyment of others.

The average age I believe of our members is I believe approximately 70 years, this I believe is why we all joined to play walking football.

In an endeavour to reduce injury there should be no contact, no running, no tackling to name but a few of the rules. Despite such reminders before every game this rule is blatantly being ignored regularly by some.

I for one at nearly 78 years s of age unfortunately cannot participate now due to health reasons.

However l still like to play my part getting to the Polideportivo early to politely collect monies etc.

The banter before and afterwards is priceless but none more so than actually playing walking football.

I fully concur with John aka Fireman Sam and others recent  comments, especially if some cannot adhere  to the rules of walking football they should move on.