Manchester Corinthians WFC History 2018

Page 2 The Beginning & The First Friendlies

Page 5 Wigan Over 60s Spring Tournament

Page 6 Fleetwood Over 60s Tournament

Page 8 Stockport Social Tournament

Page 10 WFA Over 65s National Tournament Round 1

Page 11 WFA Over 60s National Tournament Round 1

Page 13 Presentation Evening June 2018

Page 15 WFA Over 65s National Tournament Round 2

Page 16 WFA Over 60s National Tournament Round 2

Page 17 Cheshire Walking Football League Summer Cup

Page 19 Sheffield Steel City Over 60s Cup Tournament

Page 23 Derbyshire Walking Football League Cup

Page 26 WFA Over 60s National Tournament Round 3

Page 28 WFA Over 65s National Tournament Round 3

Page 30 GMWF 60s Autumn League September 2018

Page 32 Martin Dawson Trophy 2018

Page 34 WFA Over 60s National Tournament Grand Finals

Page 38 WFA Over 65s National Tournament Grand Finals

Page 41 GMWF 60s Autumn League October 2018

Page 43 Cheshire Walking Football League Autumn Cup

Page 48 GMWF 60s Autumn League November 2018

Page 50 Wigan Over 60s Autumn Tournament

Page 54 GMWF 60s Autumn League December 2018

Page 57 Summary 2018 Manchester Corinthians WFC was formed in February 2018. Originally the players were picked for the Greater Manchester Walking Football League over 60s representative side. However, with few walking football leagues around at the time, limited fixtures would represent a problem. The history of the GMWFL can be found HERE.

It was decided that the players who had come forward would form a new walking football club to enter over 60s and over 65s tournaments that were increasing in number over the country. We would also enter the same age categories in the WFU National Tournament.

First of course we needed to play in a few friendly matches as most of the players had never played together before. In March 2018 a friendly was organised against Leeds Titans away. We had a squad of 8 for this encounter against a team well known for their winning record.

They were a strong outfit and were surprised when we beat them 9-5, which for a new team playing against experienced opposition was a great result.

The outlook was indeed promising and the next encounter was two weeks later when we played three friendly matches against Blackburn Rovers WF at the Heywood Sports Village. One 60s team lost 1-0 and the the other 60s team won 1-0. Our 65s drew 1-1 with their 60s.

The midweek following we played another evening friendly against Roach Dynamos at the Heywood Sports Village and won 4-0. Next up was a friendly against FC United WF at their venue in Moston. Played on a full size pitch, the 8-a-side game finished in a 2-1 win for the opposition. Wigan Over 60s Spring Tournament

The Wigan Over 60’s Spring Tournament in mid April 2018 was the first venture for Manchester Corinthians in tournament walking football. Despite only having played together a few times in friendly matches, hopes were high that we could do well in this event.

With a few important players missing, we still had a strong enough squad capable of achieving it’s first trophy win. With nine teams involved and some very strong opposition amongst them, it wouldn’t be an easy day with eight nine minute games with just one ten minute break.

The first two games against Wigan Blues and Blackburn Rovers WF gave us 6 points. Two disappointing 0-0 draws against Crosby and Northgate Rovers was followed by a 1-1 draw with Wigan Yellows and by now we were showing evidence of tiredness.

The next fixture added to our woes with some very biased refereeing decisions. We were up against Wigan Whites, who later won the tournament, the strongest of the three Wigan teams and one of their members was the referee. His decisions were inconsistent and strongly favoured the Wigan side. We went down 2-0 to further add to our doubts of progressing.

Sheffield, the other eventual finalists were our next opponents, another strong physical side. We were certainly not outplayed in this one and looked the team more likely to score. Their keeper denied us a goal with many excellent saves and as often happens in football they grabbed a late goal to give them a 1-0 win.

The final opponents were Preston, a team from the Greater Manchester Walking Football Over 60’s League. Preston at this stage were unbeaten but lost that record when we beat them 1-0.

The question was had we made the semi finals? It had been a hard day, playing seventy two minutes of football with hardly a break. Unfortunately we had missed out by one point and those three draws came back to haunt us. To add to our misery two of the semi finalists were teams we had beaten in the round robin format. It was a disappointed squad who trooped back to the dressing rooms, feeling we had not got the rewards our football deserved. Fleetwood Over 60s Tournament

The Fleetwood Over 60’s Tournament in late April 2018 was only the second venture into tournament walking football for the new Manchester Corinthians over 60’s team. After a disappointing outcome in the earlier April Wigan Tournament, hopes were high that this may provide our first tournament win.

The venue was the excellent £8m Poolfoot Farm training complex in Thornton, the home of Fleetwood Town FC. It was to be a round robin league, with each team playing five fifteen minute games. With a strong squad available, our first fixture was against fellow Manchester team Vintage Celtic, one of the more fancied teams in this competition. Despite having the majority of possession and passing the ball around superbly, with many shots on target, we could only manage a 1-0 win.

Second up were the better of the two Fleetwood teams, Fleetwood Town Flyers Reds. Once again we dominated and came out 2-0 winners.

AFC Blackpool Very Senior Seasiders were our next opponents. We probably spent 90% of the game in the Blackpool half but could only muster a single goal to give us another three points.

Our penultimate game was versus Fleetwood Town Flyers Whites and once again we dominated to gain a 3-0 win. The final game against AFC Blackpool Senior Seasiders resulted in a 2-0 victory.

So it was a first tournament win for the Corinthians with a maximum fifteen points, a massive seven point difference over second placed Vintage Celtic.

I suppose for only our second tournament, winning it has to be regarded as an excellent outcome but the level of opposition wasn’t up to the standard of the recent Wigan Over 60’s Tournament. However you can only beat what’s put in front of you and to win five games on the trot without conceding a goal makes the future look bright for the Corinthians.

One or two murmurs were apparently heard that we had fielded the cream of the Greater Manchester Walking Football League’s players but isn’t selecting the best the case in most successful sides.

What can you say about Bill Charlton and Steve Colesby? Despite their advancing years, when called upon both excelled and played their part in this Fleetwood Over 60’s Tournament and showed far younger players what walking football is all about. Stockport Social Tournament

Manchester Corinthians were painted as the villains in this so called ‘Social Tournament’, when in fact we were the victims. After seeing us demolish the first three opponents with eight goals for and just the one against in the eight minute games, we had obviously outstayed our welcome.

Comments were heard that we were thugs and animals, when in fact one of the other teams had intimidation on their menu. The other side outside this incestuous circle of Stockport area teams, my old team Vintage Celtic, were also victims. One of the comments heard was “we just need to get rid of these now”, after the Corinthians had offered to withdraw.

Vintage Celtic players were threatened by some of the local ‘friendly’ participants, making this so called ‘Social Tournament’ anything but. The fiasco started with a last minute change of rules regarding areas where opponents couldn’t be dispossessed of the ball, a crazy concept from the start.

It would be interesting to see how these so called walking football teams fared in a proper tournament with qualified referees but they haven’t the nerve or ability to compete in such.

Playing 6-a-side on small caged pitches was a recipe for disaster and proved to be so. Although the female referee officiating in our games was generally excellent, the one on the other pitch was described as a joke, talking to a colleague and not watching the action during games. Any tournament without qualified referees is going to be a disaster, as it’s been proved on many occasions.

There can be no such thing as friendly matches or tournaments. All players have an inbuilt competitiveness and want to win, no matter what the occasion. The massive difference in this tournament and the recent Fleetwood Tournament we competed in just shows how far some organisers and competitors need to upgrade their mindset. We will put this Stockport Tournament down to experience and certainly wouldn’t enter another tournament described as social or friendly. WFA Over 65s National Tournament Round 1

Originally this tournament was to be run by the WFU (Walking Football United), the organisation who we paid to enter. However, for some reason it was taken over by the WFA (Walking Football Association) an organisation with a dubious reputation thanks to the antics of it's CEO. I asked for a refund of the entry fees for both the 60s and 65s but this wasn't forthcoming. The decison to go ahead was reached.

The Over 65’s National Tournament Round 1 saw Manchester Corinthians up against a strong Wigan Walkers side at the Powerleague Soccerdome in Wigan. Caged pitches are never the best venues for walking football but we were drawn away so there was no alternative.

With a maximum squad of nine players, we felt we had the guys to finish the job and take us into round 2. The four ten minutes sessions kicked off promptly at 11:00 and within a few minutes Wigan had taken the lead and looked more than capable of giving us problems.

However we equalised in the first session and then took the lead. Corinthians looked to be going 3-1 up from an open goal but the shot went over the bar. As happens in football Wigan went down to the other end and equalised from a deflection to make the score 2-2. We again took the lead and once again Wigan hit back to make it 3-3. By this time there were some tired bodies on the pitch and a number of our players were out on their feet, which meant substitutions had to be made.

Corinthians were now slowly beginning to get on top and got another goal and then a further one to make the score 5-3 for the Corinthians. Despite having a two goal advantage the game was far from over and Wigan hit back to make it 5-4.

Time was running out by now and the Corinthians managed to hold out as the final whistle sounded to end this Over 65’s National Tournament Round 1 session and a date in round 2. WFA Over 60s National Tournament Round 1

The Over 60’s National Tournament Round 1 saw Manchester Corinthians drawn against a strong AFC Blackpool Senior Seasiders team. The Seasiders had Corinthians Steve Hyde and Wai Hon Tsang in their squad. Playing for their own club was an obvious choice and fully understandable.

After our over 65’s brilliant 5-4 victory over a very capable Wigan Walkers on Monday, it was hoped that our over 60’s team could also progress to round 2. The format was twenty minutes each way, with a few minutes break to re-hydrate and take a breather after every ten minute session.

With the very capable Steve Hyde in goals for the Seasiders, scoring wasn’t going to be easy but a shot was deflected off a defender, which Steve couldn’t keep out. The game ebbed and flowed with the Corinthians just edging the possession and at half time the score remained at 1-0. The third session saw the Corinthians up their game with some lovely passing and movement and we scored again to make it 2-0 to the Corinthians. The Corinthians were having the better of play now and were looking quite comfortable. Many substitutions were made, not only to give decent playing time to the squad but also to keep us in the game. In the final session another excellent move saw us get a third goal.

The final score at the whistle was 3-0 and although the scoreline suggests a relatively easy victory, it was far from such. Blackpool are an excellent team who played the fixture in the right spirit and would beat most walking football teams on their day but the Corinthians just had the edge in man marking, possession and movement.

I have to say it’s an absolute pleasure to be involved with a terrific bunch of guys who are all excellent players and have a team spirit, the like of which I have never experienced before.

Presentation Evening June 2018

The Manchester Corinthians WFC Presentation Evening 2018 was held on Friday 22nd June. Although only formed early in the year it was felt that it was appropriate to combine the Corinthians evening with Rochdale Walking Football Club.

It turned out to be an excellent affair at the Tunshill Golf Club in Milnrow, with fourteen of the twenty four Corinthians players in attendance.

It was also mentioned that the forming of Manchester Corinthians WFC was a sound idea and what a great team spirit we had from all the members and how well they all got on together.

The trophies were presented by ex Oldham Athletic and Rochdale AFC player Keith Hicks, who made 475 appearances in the Football League in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

The first trophy was the Greater Manchester Walking Football Over 60’s Spring League 2018 Golden Boot award. This was won jointly by two Corinthians players, Mick Tarpey and Val Mears. Mick received his award at the league presentation a couple of weeks ago. Val came up to accept his own award.

The Fleetwood Over 60’s Tournament Cup was then presented to the team captain, Dave Wilde. Hopefully it will eventually rest in a trophy cabinet at our home venue, the Heywood Sports Village and be added to in the coming years. The final trophy on this Corinthians Presentation Evening 2018 was the manager’s player of the year award. Although we haven’t completed a full years term, it was still appropriate to have this award.

With lots of excellent players in the mix, it was really difficult to pick out one individual but it had to be done. With so many skilful players, other factors had to be taken in account, such as leadership quality, the will to win and dedication to the cause.

Taking these factors into account, my choice was the over 60’s captain, Dave Wilde, which I am sure nobody would deny it was fully deserved. Next year, in addition to the manager’s player of the year, it might be a good idea to also have a player’s player of the year trophy.

WFA Over 65s National Tournament Round 2

The 2018 Over 65’s National Tournament round 2 saw Manchester Corinthians drawn at home against local team Man City.

With Steve Colesby out with injury and another two of the limited squad on holiday, we were down to eight players. This wasn’t ideal in the stamina draining hot weather but we just had to get on with it.

After dispatching Wigan Walkers 5-4 in round 1, another hard job faced us against a strong City squad. With twenty minutes each way to play, it was a good idea to split the game into four ten minute sessions. This allowed the players to rehydrate and have a short rest from the action.

With only one recognised defender in the squad, Pete Hampson, it was down to the two midfielders Paul Crosby and Derek Drabble to come to the Corinthians rescue, and what a good job they made of it.

The game itself was a tight affair and being honest the result could have gone either way. The first session saw both sides with equal possession and a few scoring chances but after the first ten minutes it was scoreless. The second ten minute session saw Corinthians score to give us a 1-0 lead.

The third and fourth sessions saw again equal possession and some chances for both teams but the score finished in a 1-0 victory for the Corinthians. WFA Over 60s National Tournament Round 2

The Over 60’s National Tournament Round 2 saw Manchester Corinthians drawn at home against Matlock Arc from the Derbyshire Peak District.

After the 1st round win over AFC Blackpool Senior Seasiders, a team we were familiar with, Matlock Arc were an unknown quantity, so caution was needed. We settled on playing three at the back, knowing we had the quality of players capable of counter attacking and scoring. Thankfully the system certainly worked.

With the temperatures in the mid 20’s and twenty minutes each way to play, with breaks every ten minutes, it was going to be a tiring day for our squad of nine, and all had a part to play in the proceedings. Apparently Matlock had won the Derbyshire Walking Football League two years running, so were obviously no mugs.

We seemed to edge possession in the first few minutes but Matlock had their share of the play and looked dangerous, especially on the right flank. With the first ten minute session drawing to a close a tremendous shot beat the Matlock keeper, to give Corinthians a 1-0 lead.

In the second ten minute session, we had two excellent counter attacks and with some slick passing and movement, we split the Matlock defence to score two great goals.

The third ten minute session saw equal possession and on a couple of occasions we lost concentration and Matlock looked like scoring and were a constant threat. With the clock running down in the final ten minute session, it was time to reintroduce the lads who hadn’t seen much game time and they did the job asked of them to make the final score Corinthians 3-0 Matlock Arc. Cheshire Walking Football League Summer Cup

The CWFL Summer Cup, played on Thursday 12th July, provided Manchester Corinthians with disappointment, frustration, and anger in equal measures.

After our impressive win in the National Tournament against a good Matlock Arc side earlier in the month, hopes were high that we could add another trophy to the cabinet but it wasn’t to be.

We kicked off the tournament with a game against Prescot, who were actually Widnes first team players playing under one of their training venue names. Although well on top, a goal eluded us, and the score finished 0-0, two points dropped.

The second fixture was against the real Widnes, probably their second team. Again we dominated and got a well deserved 2-0 victory.

Next up were Helsby Old Boys, a team some of us were familiar with from our Cheshire Walking Football League days with Vintage Celtic. Play was pretty even until one of our players received a blue card sin bin for excessive contact.

During the two minute sin bin an Helsby shot was deflected and went in the Corinthian goals. The final score was a 1-0 undeserved win for Helsby, this made it look a real task for us to finish in the top two, for the right to contest the cup final.

To have any chance we needed to beat the eventual winners Tranmere but once again we just couldn’t find the net and this one finished 0-0. We were certainly as good as Tranmere, if not better, but goals win matches and that was our failure all day in this CWFL Summer Cup.

So it was not to be and we were in for the consolation prize, The Trophy, a meaningless award in my opinion but if you don’t perform on the day, you don’t get the big one. Prescot were our opponents again in this final and once again it remained scoreless at full time. Even one of the Prescot lads admitted that we had outplayed them in both matches.

It was now down to a three penalty shoot out and I was confident that we would win this one. We won the toss and decided to go first. A low ball into the Prescot corner to give us a 1-0 lead. The first Prescot effort was easily saved and we were already on our way. A similar second penalty by the Corinthians and a miss by Prescot gave us the potato pie cup. This was an over 50’s category tournament, so with our average age on the day being 62, we were giving away probably around 10 years to most of the opposition. Sheffield Steel City Over 60s Cup Tournament

Brilliant! I do like winning trophies and being involved with winners. Yesterday, 29th July 2018, the relatively new Manchester Corinthians won the Sheffield Steel City Over 60’s Cup, against some very strong opposition. That’s two trophies in just four months since we formed this new walking football club.

After all the recent good weather the tournament was held in constant rain, that typically cleared up after the event had finished. The only downside was the fact that there was no proper D area. Instead the normal football goal area was in use and it caused many problems.

The over 60’s were divided into two groups of four teams in a round robin format with the winners and runners up in each group going into the semi finals.

Group A consisted of Chesterton Crusaders, Manchester Corinthians, Sheffield United and Stamford Strollers. In Group B were Blackburn Rovers, Hartshill Strollers, Stocksbridge and Wakefield Wanderers.

Our first opponents in this Sheffield Steel City Over 60’s Cup were Chesterton Crusaders, a team we knew little of apart from the fact that they were from Newcastle under Lyme. We were quite comfortable in this match, taking a two goal lead despite having a penalty saved. Unfortunately we gave away a penalty ourselves through the area infringement rule, in which the opposition scored. However we took the three points in a deserved 2-1 win.

Next up were another team unknown to us, Stamford Strollers from Lincolnshire. This was a strange kind of game in which we were awarded two penalties both which were saved or missed. We did eventually scored but gave away a penalty which Stamford converted and the final result was a 1-1 draw and two points dropped.

The final game in the round robin format was versus Sheffield United, a team we had come across in the April Wigan Tournament. This was a game we couldn’t afford to lose with Sheffield and Chesterton on the same points as us. Sheffield are a big strong physical side who take no prisoners but one thing in our favour is that we can mix it with the best if that’s how the opposition want to play the game. We scored a great goal from distance to give us a 1-0 victory over the local side.

So we topped our group with seven points out of nine, with Stamford runners up on five points. The semi finals saw Corinthians versus the runners up in Group B, Hartshill Strollers. This again was quite a physical affair where we had the edge in play but failed to score. It finished in a 0-0 draw and went to a three penalty shoot out. This didn’t bode well for us with our three previous penalty failures.

Our first shot hit the right hand post, rebounded to hit the left hand post and crossed the line to give us the lead. We saved the first Hartshill penalty, then increased our lead with another good, if unorthodox, spot kick. Hartshill needed to score their second penalty to stay in contention but a great save gave us a 2-0 victory and a place in the final.

Blackburn Rovers were our opponents in the final, a team we had met and beaten previously in the April Wigan Over 60’s Tournament. The Rovers were a tough uncompromising side who to be honest had the best of play and certainly more scoring chances than us.

In this contest there were quite a number of incidents where no player gave any quarter. Unfortunately, the referee adjudged a Corinthian player to be the culprit when it was a case of three players colliding and two of them falling over each other. In the event, the referee, who certainly did us no favours in this game, gave our player a 2 minute blue card sin bin.

This left us with only four outfield players and to be honest I didn’t think we would survive against a strong attacking Blackburn side. As it happened we looked more comfortable during this period than we did with a full team on the pitch. Eventually, after what was more like 3-4 minutes, we were back to full strength and held out for a 0-0 draw.

So it was now down to a three penalty shootout and then sudden death. Hopes were high that we would win this with Steve Hyde in goals for us. Steve had so far had a magnificent day for us, literally saving us in this final encounter with some excellent saves.

Corinthians were first up and the spot kick was despatched into the bottom corner of the Rovers net. Rovers replied with a great penalty shot that gave Steve no chance. We scored the second penalty and Rovers once again scored with a good shot to make it 2-2.

Our third penalty gave us another one goal advantage lead. Rovers equalised once again to make it 3-3. Now it was sudden death. We scored again to give us a 4-3 lead. Steve made a fantastic save and the Sheffield Steel City Over 60’s Cup was ours.

Our man of the tournament was Steve Hyde who saved us on numerous occasions, especially in the final. How many walking football teams wish they had two keepers of the calibre of Steve and Ron Blakeley? Steve, like Ron, is also an excellent distributor of the ball, an asset not many walking football keepers possess.

Considering we have only been together for four months and won two trophies, I don’t count the Cheshire Walking Football Summer Cup Plate as a trophy win, then things are looking good with new players joining us as well. Keeping everyone happy is not easy and it won’t be long before we have two over 60’s teams to enter in tournaments.

We didn’t concede a goal from open play in this Sheffield Steel City Over 60’s Cup, which was very pleasing.

Derbyshire Walking Football League Cup

After our over 60’s team put three trophies in the cabinet recently, the latest less than two weeks ago in the Sheffield Tournament, Manchester Corinthians 65’s added another one. In their first one day competition they won the Derbyshire WF League Cup Tournament in impressive fashion on 9th August.

Despite the squad being down to only seven fit players, all played their part magnificently at the Derby Powerleague Stadium. The tournament was held indoors on quite large 3G pitches with barriers, something we are not accustomed too.

We played some excellent football and passing in this tournament and in the six games played, we scored seventeen goals, with only one conceded. Sixty four minutes playing time saw a goal every four minutes.

Most of teams were from that league, with Corinthians travelling the farthest distance. There were some strong teams involved, especially Derby County CT Older Rams and Matlock Arc.

Nine teams took part and the tournament was split into two groups in a round robin format. There were four teams in Group A and five teams in Group B. Group A consisted of Ashbourne 65’s, Etwall 65’s, Heanor 65’s and Matlock Arc 65’s. In Group B were Alfreton 65’s, Chesterfield Spireites 65’s, Derby County CT Older Rams, Manchester Corinthians 65’s and Willows 65’s.

Our first fixture in this Derby WF League Cup Tournament 09.08.18 was versus Derby County CT Older Rams. They were a very strong side, who to be honest had the better of play and certainly the more scoring chances. The initial thoughts were that we were going to struggle in this competition but we came out of this first fixture with a 0-0 draw.

In the second game our play improved and we started to pass and move as we can. The opponents were Chesterfield Spireites 65’s and we were certainly the better side. Despite missing countless chances in the first few minutes, we eventually hit the target in a 2-0 victory.

Third up were Alfreton 65’s and we dominated this game. Once again we couldn’t find the net in the first few minutes but we came good in a 4-0 win.

The Derby side had completed their four fixtures and had accumulated a total of ten points. We need a win by two clear goals to top Group B. Willow 65’s were unknown to us and once again we dominated play in a 3-0 victory.

So we had won our group and the semi final of the knockout stages saw us up against Ashbourne 65’s, runners up in their group. The Derby team had beaten them 4-0 in their Group A match. We were obviously very confident of reaching the final and our optimism was well founded.

To be honest this was a complete walkover and if it had been a boxing match the referee would have stopped the contest. The Ashbourne lads must have been glad when the final whistle blew as we had demolished them 6-1 in the twelve minute game time.

We were now in the final and our hopes of adding another trophy to the Corinthians three in five months looked realistic. We watched the other semi final between Group A winners Matlock Arc 65’s and Derby County CT Older Rams, runners up in our group. It finished in a 1-1 draw and went to a penalty shoot out. Matlock won the shoot out.

Neither Corinthians nor Matlock were going to dominate this final, that was obvious before a ball was kicked. Two sides of this calibre were in for a tight affair and so it proved. Both teams having equal possesion but we scored a fine goal from distance. With two minutes left we added another to make the score 2-0.

The whistle finally blew and we were winners of the Derbyshire WF League Cup Tournament to add another trophy to our impressive three in five months. What great camaraderie this relatively new club has, with everyone supporting one another. It’s a pleasure to be involved despite not being able to play anymore. We now have two teams that are beginning to be noticed, respected and dare I say even feared?

Paul Jackson the organiser, pointing and to the right of Pete Hampson in the photograph, told me that apparently some of the Derbyshire League teams were unhappy that outsiders had taken their cup. Were we bothered? Not in the least - we were Champions once again. That made it four trophies in six months, with hopefully more to come in this our first season together.

WFA Over 60s National Tournament Round 3

The over 60’s National Tournament round 3 saw Manchester Corinthians drawn at home against Wigan Walkers. We had come up against the Wigan side when they hosted a tournament in April this year and were beaten 2-0 in the round robin format, albeit with some players unavailable.

This was not going to be an easy task and so it proved. We had a squad of nine and to be fair to everyone, it was made up of those who had played in the previous rounds. Wigan had a squad of seven. To me this gave us a definite advantage for 40 minutes of football, with the option to replace players and give others a break from the action.

We had agreed on four 10 minute sessions with a minute or two water break between each session. To be honest, in this match no team had a great amount of scoring chances, as defences dominated. We started with three in defence to see what threat the Wigan side posed.

In the first 10 minute session we scored a great goal to give us the lead and expectations were high that we would add to it. Despite having a few chances to increase the scoreline, it wasn’t to be. The second, third and final sessions were stalemates with possession shared equally. Unfortunately in the fourth session one of our players received 2 minute sin bin but we prevailed to seal a 1-0 victory to take us into the Grand Finals. The 60’s team haven’t conceded any goals in three rounds of this tournament.

A good number of the 60’s and 65’s players turned up to support the team, it’s what makes this club so special and people so proud to be a part of it.

WFA Over 65s National Tournament Round 3

The over 65’s National Tournament round 3 saw Manchester Corinthians drawn away against AFC Blackpool Senior Seasiders. It was decided that the Corinthians 60’s would also play a friendly against the Blackpool 60’s team afterwards, as well as offering their support to the 65’s.

After their recent Derby WF League Cup Tournament win, it was back to business in the over 65’s National Tournament.

Terry Williams was drafted into goals as Ron Blakeley had a dislocated finger and to be honest he didn’t have a lot to do. It’s good to know that we have some very able deputies when needed.

The game was 20 minutes each way, with a short break at half time. In the first half the play was pretty equal with Corinthians having the most chances. A shot was uncharacteristically fumbled by the Blackpool keeper Steve Hyde and it was 1-0 to the Corinthians. Steve certainly made up for it afterwards with some excellent saves which kept the Seasiders in the game, when they could have been 3 or 4 down.

In the second half we added another and Blackpool seemed to lose a little heart and certainly in the last 10 minutes they visibly tired. By now the Corinthians had taken control and some lovely passing and possession play saw the game with another goal to make the final score 3-0 to the Corinthians.

In the 60s friendly Corinthians came out 7-3 winners. Thanks to Blackpool for their excellent hospitality. The 65’s now face a long trip for the Grand Finals which are being played on 30th September in Cirencester. So that’s both the 60’s and the 65’s in the Grand Finals of the 2018 National Tournaments. An excellent achievement considering we were only formed as a club 6 months ago, and what a great credit to all the lads who have been involved. GMWF 60s Autumn League September 2018

Manchester Corinthians made their debut in the GMWF 60s Autumn League September 2018. Starting in Division 3, it was to be no easy ride with some very strong teams in that division.

With many Corinthians players unavailable it was a limited squad that turned out at the Heywood Sports Village. Hopes were high that we had the players to make a success of this foray into this league.

Division 3 consisted of five teams, three of them new to the league. Maccabi Old Codgers and relegated Rochdale Striders were joined by the Corinthians, Man City and three times Cheshire Walking Football League winners, Northgate Strollers.

First up were Rochdale Striders and we dominated possession with some excellent passing, movement and space finding. A fantastic shot gave us the lead and the game finished 1-0 to give us our first three points.

The second fixture saw us up against a big powerful Man City team, a game which I thought may be our hardest of the day. Once again we put some lovely passing movements together and took an early lead. City were a strong side, not afraid to use physicality, which was punished efficiently by referee Garry Pearce.

Although the City side had their chances, we played well enough to gain another three points and another goal sealed a 2-0 win.

With six points out of six, we were quite optimistic that we may gain another six from the remaining two fixtures. Maccabi Old Codgers were our third opponents. Maccabi, who were once the whipping boys of the league, had improved over the last few seasons and were now a team not to be taken lighly.

Unfortunately, this is exactly what we did and our over confidence was evident in our play. We lost our shape and on a few occasions were left with two on three in defence. The inevitable happened of course and Maccabi took the lead. In the dying minutes we took control and scored. We continued to press for the winner but unfortunately ran out of time and the final 1- 1 score meant we had dropped a valuable two points.

This was a big disappointment and our final game against Northgate Strollers was not going to be an easy one and so it proved. Northgate are a very strong team and a few of us have played against them many times in the Cheshire Walking Football League, drawing on a couple of occasions but never beating them.

This game saw equal possession with few real scoring chances and the final 0-0 score reflected the game and was a fair outcome. Martin Dawson Trophy 2018

The Martin Dawson Trophy 2018 saw Manchester Corinthians having a limited squad to select from with players committed elsewhere or on holiday. Having said that it was still a strong enough squad to give a good account of themselves.

With two groups of six teams, the Corinthians were drawn in Group A, the strongest of the two groups. In Group A were Blackburn Rovers WFC, Bury Relics, Grimsby Corinthians, Manchester Corinthians, Rochdale AFC Strollers and Widnes.

First up and one of the strongest teams in the group were Blackburn Rovers WFC, the team we beat in the final of the recent Sheffield Steel City Cup. The play was shared equally in this game but in the final few minutes a goalkeeping mistake gave the Rovers a 1-0 victory.

Not a great start and it meant we were already on catch up. The next opponents were Rochdale AFC Strollers, virtually a Corinthians team in numbers. Once again both teams had equal possession and some scoring chances. The game finished in a 0-0 draw, so we had now dropped five points, which made the task of reaching the semi finals look a remote possibility.

Our third opponents were Grimsby Corinthians, another very strong team. This game again finished in a 0-0 draw and we had another controversial goal disallowed. So we had played three and only got two points in the bag. The dream of winning the Martin Dawson Trophy 2018 seemed an impossible task now, especially with other teams accumulating far more points than us.

Our fourth opponents were the whipping boys so far in this tournament, Widnes WFC, who had already shipped eight goals without reply. We won 2-0 and had gained a welcome three points to take our total to five points.

The final fixture of the day was versus Bury Relics. We really went to town in this one with an emphatic 5-0 victory which gave us a total of eight points. Unfortunately our earlier results cost us a place in the semi finals, Grimsby had nine points and were going through to the semis.

We certainly weren’t outplayed by any of the teams who went through to the semi finals and with further reinforcements back in the squad it will take a good team to beat us.

WFA Over 60s National Tournament Grand Finals

What a bitterly disappointing day it was for Manchester Corinthians in the Over 60s National Tournament Grand Finals at Nottingham on Sunday 23rd September.

Being installed as favourites, which is usually the kiss of death, proved to be exactly that. We had high hopes of doing well in this event and started well with a convincing 4-1 victory over Hereford Scrumpy Boys. This was the first goal we had conceded in all the previous tournament rounds but it certainly wouldn’t be the last.

With three points in the bag, we were optimistic of progressing to the semi finals. Next up were Watford, a team we knew little about. They proved to be an excellent side who shared the play with us and the result could have gone either way with both teams having chances. The game ended 0-0, which overall was a fair result. I felt another three points in our final game would see us top the group, or at the very least come runners up to Watford, the eventual winners.

What followed, was almost like a bad dream and became more and more unbelievable as the final game against Huntingdon progressed. Without going into the details we totally capitulated and were beaten 6-1. It was without doubt the worst display we have ever given. Huntingdon were a decent side and nothing more. We have played and beaten far better sides on our day.

So with only four points in total, our dreams of winning the Over 60s National Tournament Grand Finals were in tatters.

During the break we tried to gee ourselves up with the intention of at least winning the consolation prize of the Trophy, played for by the third and fourth placed teams.

Our opponents in this semi final were Burntwood, a Midlands team, and being honest, they were far from a good side. Our woes continued with another lack lustre performance and we looked a pale shadow of the team we were. The game finished 0-0 and then went to penalties, which we lost 3-2.

I still cannot believe how we went from looking potential champions to a team that looked like footballing impostors. No excuses will be given regarding injuries or referees decisions as this just sounds like sour grapes.

Last night I had the ‘Black Dog’ depression and couldn’t shake it off, it still persists now while writing this. I woke up at 4:20 this morning with it still on my mind.

I feel the only individual blame lies at my door as I had no answers to our last two performances. I played people out of position and we paid the price. Also another factor was my failure to see what might happen when registering players for the competition in March.

A total of fifteen players were the maximum allowed for both the 60’s and 65’s squads. Foolishly, instead of registering ten, I registered almost the full fifteen for both teams. Five of those registered never played a game in these National Tournaments and another two only had limited game time in one fixture.

This of course meant we couldn’t add players new to the club as the competition progressed, which was a massive mistake on my part. All in all I feel embarrassed and a failure, and it makes me question my position as team manager, as there are far more qualified members in the club, with more tactical appreciation of games than me.

WFA Over 65s National Tournament Grand Finals

Manchester Corinthians played in the Over 65s National Tournament Grand Finals on 3oth September at the Cirencester Arena.

Six teams were in the Grand Finals which was played in a round robin format at twelve minutes per game. The teams were Blue Flames (Newcastle), Clevedon (Somerset), Hartshill Strollers (Midlands), Manchester Corinthians, Norwich Soccer Seniors and Worthing (Sussex).

Our first fixture was versus Blue Flames, who were declared the favourites for the title by the organisers. We certainly outplayed them with some lovely passing and movement in a 2-0 victory.

Our next opponents were Clevedon and once again we dominated but couldn’t find the net in a 0-0 draw. Third were Norwich Soccer Seniors and the same scenario followed with another 0-0 draw. A further 0-0 draw was the result in our fourth fixture against Worthing.

Looking at the league tables before the final game, we were top of the table but closely followed by Clevedon and Hartshill Strollers. Another draw would see us finish top but after three scoreless draws we needed a win to go ahead of the chasing pack.

Hartshill Strollers were our final opponents and it was almost a stroll for us. Despite only scoring the one goal, we were well on top of Hartshill, who hardly were seen in our half of the pitch.

In all the fifteen fixtures in this round robin league, an incredible ten games finished in scoreless draws. Only six goals were scored in total, three by us. So we had won the league and now the top two would play in the final for the cup. Many mentioned the fact that it was a silly concept to play a final after the league format was complete. The obvious winners were the league champions, Manchester Corinthians.

Here is an online quote from the Clevedon club “Manchester, to be fair, did have more points than us going into the final, so had the results been based just on the round robin they would have been worthy winners. Never quite understood a play off unless points are tied.”

Cleveland would be our opponents in this cup final and once again we had the better of possession. Then it all fell apart. Trying to force a winning goal a deflected shot from us reached Clevedon’s striker, who was on his own in our half. He netted for them and with only two minutes to the final whistle, the cup was snatched from our grasp.

I was just about to make a substitution at this time as I thought the game was going to penalties and wanted as many decent penalty takers on the pitch as possible. With little time left we pressed but the Clevedon defence held out to take the cup.

The organisers, referees and most of the opposing teams all stated that we were the best team on view. In fact Blue Flames said we were the best over 65’s team they had ever played against.

So although we didn’t win the cup final, I have no qualms in claiming that we are the Over 65’s National Tournament League Winners 2018. All the lads put some fantastic effort into this Over 65s National Tournament Grand Finals and without doubt we were worthy winners and showed many just how walking football should be played. In the league format we didn’t concede a goal.

We are fortunate to have some great guys in our ranks and we WILL become a major force in walking football. I will correct that and say we already are a major force. To reach the Grand Finals of the National Tournament in two age categories is amazing in the first year of our conception. I want this club to go from strength to strength and be respected as a great walking football club long after I am gone.

Watch the video HERE. I defy anyone to deny that we were the better side with far better passing, movement and possession. Sometimes life just isn't fair. GMWF 60s Autumn League October 2018

The GMWF 60s Autumn League October 2018 was the second session for Manchester Corinthians in this new venture for them. We had a squad of nine.

The first fixture was versus Rochdale Striders and we looked very comfortable in this game against the divisions bottom placed team. It finished in a 2-0 victory.

Second up was one of the stronger teams in the division, Man City, quite a physical side who could put it about. We slightly edged possession but they had a couple of decent chances, one a miss hit, the other deflected for a corner by our keepers foot. All in all it was a fair result and no complaints about the 0-0 draw. This was one we couldn’t afford to lose.

Our third fixture was against Maccabi Old Codgers, who are proving to be a bogey team to us. We drew with them in September after going a goal down and only equalising in the last few minutes. This time we did have the better of possession and were unlucky not to go ahead but finished in a 0-0 draw.

The fourth and final fixture saw us playing a team, Northgate Strollers who we drew with in this league’s September session. This was quite a feisty game with some hard contact but we prevailed and came away with a deserved 2-0 win.

So with two wins and two draws, the same as September’s session, we added another eight points to our total to make it sixteen points and a three point lead over Man City. We also have a better goal difference of plus seven against City’s plus one, so in effect we have a four point lead.

However we mustn’t become complacent as in football things can change dramatically. This division is as strong, if not stronger than Division 1, and the team that gets promotion will certainly have earned it. In November we need to turn two wins and two draws into three wins and a draw, or better still four wins.

We certainly have the players to do this, so let’s make sure we achieve it. We are the only unbeaten team in the division and have only conceded one goal in eight games, thanks to our excellent defence.

Cheshire Walking Football League Autumn Cup

The CWFL Autumn Cup played on 11th October proved to be a good day for Manchester Corinthians. With three teams entered, two in the Over 50’s category and one in the Over 65’s category, we had twenty three players in the three squads.

The 50’s league consisted of Barony Counts, Helsby Old Boys, Manchester Corinthians Juniors, Manchester Corinthians Seniors, Northwich 1874, Tranmere Rovers WFC and Widnes WFC.

The 65’s league comprised Leggy Mambos, Manchester Corinthians, Nantwich, Northgate Rovers, Tranmere Rovers WFC and Widnes WFC.

To get the feel of how the day went, it’s recommended to read the Juniors and Seniors narrative game by game.

Manchester Corinthians Juniors

Of course it had to happen, the first fixture pitted the MC Juniors against MC Seniors. With arguably the best two teams on show in this tournament, gaining the points was important for both sides. My money was on a draw and at one stage this looked highly likely but two goals gave the Juniors their first three points and bragging rights, although these rights were eventually rescinded as we shall see.

Second up were the team renowned for their physicality and in their own eyes probably favourites, Helsby Old Boys. Although we were the dominant team with most of the possession, a deflected shot gave Helsby an undeserved 1-0 victory and the loss of three points for the Juniors.

The third fixture saw the Juniors play Northwich 1874 and we had an easy 2-0 win and a further three points.

The fourth fixture was against the team who won the CWF Summer Tournament, the self styled ‘Unbeatables’ Tranmere Rovers WFC. Well they were soon brought down to earth with the Juniors showing them some proper walking football skills and a 2-0 win.

The penultimate fixture was versus Widnes WFC and once again the Juniors played some excellent football to seal a 1-0 win.

This was now getting extremely interesting. After five games each the Juniors and Seniors were both on twelve points, The Juniors with a goal difference of plus six and the Seniors on plus five.

Helsby were still leading the table by one point and the Juniors needed the Seniors to beat Helsby, which would mean that at least one of the MC teams would win the league.

As you will see below the Seniors destroyed Helsby with a great performance and were now leading the table by three points and a one goal difference advantage. This meant the Juniors needed a minimum 2-0 win to snatch the title from the Seniors grasp. All went well at first in the final game versus Barony Counts, with the Juniors grabbing a goal. Pressing to get that vital second goal and being unlucky with some excellent saves from the Barony keeper, it all suddenly went wrong.

An infringement into the D resulted in a penalty award to the Counts and despite getting a hand to it the powerful shot beat the Juniors keeper to make the score 1-1. With the Juniors still pressing to get the winner, unfortunately time ran out, and the title was the Seniors with the Juniors being runners up.

Manchester Corinthians Seniors

The Seniors first game was against the Juniors, which finished in a 2-0 loss, covered above.

Second up for the Seniors were Northwich 1874 and a great goal from distance gave the Seniors a 1-0 victory and their first three points.

The third game against Barony Counts finished with another 1-0 win. The Seniors now had six points in the bag.

The Seniors fourth match was almost a walk in the park, with the team running riot in a 4-0 win over Widnes WFC. Four goals in a ten minute game just shows the dominance of the Seniors.

Next up were the ‘Unbeatables’, Tranmere Rovers WFC. After their 2-0 loss to the Juniors, Tranmere may have thought they would get their revenge on the Seniors. It wasn’t to be, as the Seniors dominated just as the Juniors had done. The Seniors gained a well deserved 2-1 victory and a total of twelve points with one fixture left.

As mentioned above, the Seniors had to beat their final opponents, Helsby Old Boys, who had won four and drawn one of their fixtures, to keep them a point ahead of both MC teams.

Justice was served in this game with Helsby adopting their usual cynical tactics and over physical approach to walking football. Unfortunately for them it didn’t work. They had one player blue carded, who seemed to be amused by the sanction. Another of their players should have been red carded for a vicious sliding tackle. He didn’t even receive a blue card for this challenge – absolutely disgraceful.

The Seniors showed Helsby what non physical walking football was all about with some great passing and movement. They out thought and outplayed them in a well deserved 2-0 win.

Helsby, who were at one point banned from the CWF league, because of their over physical approach to walking football, should find their own version of the game somewhere else, they certainly wouldn’t be tolerated in the GMWF League. Even their own manager said to me, “We want to win but not at all costs”.

So now the Seniors had a total of fifteen points and a goal difference of plus seven, three points better than the Juniors and a goal advantage of plus one.

The Seniors were now leading the table and only the Juniors could pip them for the title, with a 2-0 win needed in their final game against Barony Counts.

Manchester Corinthians 65’s

Managed by Steve Colesby today and despite missing three key players the MC over 65’s squad looked good enough to be possible winners of this tournament. There were six teams involved which meant each team played five games in a round robin format. The team which topped the league would be declared winners of the trophy.

First up for the Corinthians were Tranmere Rovers WFC, and it was no surprise that a sharp finish gave us a very well deserved win in a game we dominated. Only down side was that we couldn’t add to the score line mainly due to a lack of high support for our striker and some unlucky finishing.

Our next opponents were the renowned Leggy Mambos, and to be fair they are probably the best team we had ever played in the over 65’s format of the game. They didn’t exactly dominate, but were worthy of their 1-0 victory. Leggy Mambos were running most of the time and got away with it due to poor refereeing, a tactic they wouldn’t get away with in most tournaments nowadays.

Nantwich were next, and whilst we had most of the play we couldn’t seal the win, the game ended 0-0. We then played Northgate Rovers in our penultimate game, which we just shaded both in possession and scoreline in a 1-0 victory.

Widnes were our final opponents and again we were slightly the better team in a tight game, which again finished 0-0. So, we finished with eight points and in the runners up spot. A reasonable performance, but we are always a little disappointed when we don’t win. With the missing players available and stricter refereeing, the 65’s may well have won it. Our slight disappointment was quickly forgotten as we watched and cheered our two over 60’s teams finish their games and seal first and second place in the over 50’s competition. A great day for Manchester Corinthians.

Conclusion

If events had been more favourable in the Juniors final game, a 1-0 victory would have meant both themselves and the Seniors finishing on the same points and the same goal difference. To have both teams joint top would have added another bonus to what was a brilliant day for Manchester Corinthians.

With a winners title and two runners up positions, I have to say it could hardly have turned out much better for this relatively new walking football club.

Man Of The Tournament was John Bee who scored some really great goals, in fact five of the Seniors ten goals. Well done John.

It was great to see us field three teams in this CWFL Autumn Cup, a fact that surprised a few people and the tournament organisers, who couldn’t believe the progress we have made in the short nine months since we were formed.

What was particular pleasing was the support we gave to our other teams when we weren’t involved in a fixture. This just shows what great camaraderie and team spirit this club has. I think we certainly have something special here and how it has evolved into the present situation in just nine months is remarkable.

I get the impression that most of the lads, if not all, love being a part of this club. One things for sure, we are now a respected force in walking football and long may it continue.

GMWF 60s Autumn League November 2018

GMWF 60s Autumn League November 2018 was the third session for Manchester Corinthians in this competition. We had our usual squad of nine. Leading the Division 3 table after the October session by only three points over Man City, it was imperative that we didn’t drop many points and kept the pressure on them.

First up were Rochdale Striders who we beat 2-0 in October. Despite having the better of chances we failed to put the ball in the Striders net and had to settle for a point, which was a very disappointing start.

Second up were Man City, our closest rivals, who had just drawn with Northgate Strollers to keep the gap at three points. This was a fixture we couldn’t afford to lose. In this game we dominated possession and were virtually camped out in the City half for most of the fifteen minutes. Unfortunately, once again we just couldn’t score. A 0-0 draw kept our lead intact.

We had a twenty minute break at this stage and watched the Man City v Rochdale Striders game. To our surprise the Striders capitalised on two breakaways to beat City 2-0. This meant a result in our third match with Maccabi Old Codgers would give us a good lead over the City side.

However, despite some terrific football, once again the Codgers proved to be our bogey team. The Codgers keeper saved numerous shots with a leg or arm outstretched much to our frustration. A 0-0 draw meant we were only four points ahead of Man City when it should have been six points. The final fixture was against Northgate Strollers, a team always difficult to beat. This game was more evenly matched but a bad tackle by the Strollers defender earned him a blue card and a penalty to us. We made no mistake from the spot to give us a 1-0 lead and a little breathing space.

We saw the final few minutes out despite a couple of scares, so we were now seven points clear of Man City who had one game to play. Appaerently City had won 1-0 with a ‘goal’ that had entered through the side netting.

So we now had a four point lead over our nearest rivals with a far superior goal difference, which in effect meant a five point lead. This division was ours to lose and we needed eight points in December to clinch the title, even if City won all their four games, which was highly unlikely.

Although we aren’t the most prolific scorers, we certainly are not found wanting in the defensive stakes. Twelve games played and only one goal conceded speaks volumes for our back three. Wigan Over 60s Autumn Tournament

Manchester Corinthians fielded two teams in the Wigan Over 60s Autumn Tournament. The organisation wasn’t brilliant with one group of five teams playing on the smaller outdoor pitches while the other group played on the superior indoor pitches. No fixtures were immediately available but were eventually produced after requesting them.

Ten teams entered the tournament, group A consisted of AFC Blackpool Senior Seasiders, Manchester Corinthians ‘A’, Man City, Southport Spartans and Wigan Walkers Yellows. In group B were Huddersfield Giants, Manchester Corinthians ‘B’, Tranmere Rovers, Wigan Athletic CT and Wigan Walkers Whites. The groups played a round robin format with the top two of each group proceeding to the semi finals.

Manchester Corinthians ‘A’

With us being notoriously slow starters, it had to happen, first up in this Wigan Over 60s Autumn Tournament we faced one of the more fancied teams, Man City. Within five minutes City took the lead from a long range shot. We certainly weren’t at our best in this encounter and the size of the pitch didn’t help our space finding and passing game. With one minute left, we had a shot which deflected off a defender to beat the City keeper. So it was a point each with the score finishing 1-1.

Wigan Walkers Yellows were our next opponents and I cannot recall them having a shot on goal. We dominated, hit the post twice, the bar once and their keeper numerous times. The ball wouldn’t go in the Wigan net and it finished 0-0. As it turned out that one point was all the Wigan side gained on the day.

With four points already dropped, we did start to play as we can in the third game against AFC Blackpool Senior Seasiders. In the fifteen minute we had a thoroughly deserved 5-0 victory against the Seasiders. Five points and we were now up and running.

The final game in the round robin format was versus Southport Spartans, a side new to us. Once again we had the far better of possession and won 2-0, so we now had eight points in the bag and only Man City could pip us as the league winners.

The winners of Group B, Wigan Walkers Whites would play Corinthians and Man City would play Tranmere Rovers in the semi finals. Thankfully these were played indoors on the larger pitches.

With Wigan Walkers Whites having won all their four group games, scoring nine goals without reply, this was going to be a tough game for the Corinthians. In the event we absolutely demolished the Wigan side in a 4-0 victory. The Wigan side are probably still reeling from that defeat as they must have been odds on favourites to take the cup.

We were absolutely outstanding in this match, probably the best I have ever seen us play. Defensively we didn’t jump in but denied their players room to manoeuvre and with our players effectively marking the Wigan lads, they had no answer to our solid defence. Our passing and space finding was spot on and to be honest we could have had more goals if not for the Wigan keeper saving many shots.

The final awaited us and our opponents were Tranmere Rovers who had beaten Man City 1-0 in the other semi final. In this game, once again we had the better of possession, had the more chances but not to the extent we had in the semi final game. It finished 0-0 and it was now five minutes of extra time.

Within a minute of the restart, we scored a terrific goal to give us the lead. We played out the remaining four minutes by keeping possession and slowing the game down. The final whistle sounded and we were the Wigan Over 60s Autumn Tournament winners and deservedly so. Match Report From Player/Manager Kevin Williams

“Manchester Corinthians ‘B’ team faced stiff opposition in the Wigan Over 60s Autumn Tournament. At least the two Corinthians sides were kept apart in the group draws.

We began with a 2-0 victory against Wigan Athletic CT. In all honesty we controlled the game well and never looked in danger of dropping points.

However a physical affair in the second game saw us fall to an unlucky goal which somehow cannoned off the leg of the Wigan Walkers Whites forward. Despite pushing on and creating a couple of chances we failed to rescue a point, although in the dying minutes we could have enjoyed a one man advantage after a Whites defender was red carded when committing a second bad foul.

However a lack of discipline from myself saw the referee quite rightly even things up and the writing was on the wall. It finished with a 1-0 victory for the Whites. We then beat Huddersfield Giants 1-0. They certainly lived up to their name, although another physical encounter, it never got out of hand.

A semi final place was up for grabs when we faced Tranmere Rovers in our last league game, but a series of bewildering decisions didn’t help us at all and we fell to a sucker punch on the break to lose 1-0.

Despite some very hard work by all of the guys we just fell short and bowed out of the competition, but with heads held high.” With this Wigan Over 60s Autumn Tournament win, Manchester Corinthians, formed in February 2018, have now won seven trophies in nine months. It would be interesting to know if any other walking football club has a better record than this in their first year of competition. GMWF 60s Autumn League December 2018

I still cannot believe we started the day in the GMWF Over 60s Autumn League December 2018 four points clear of our nearest rivals and managed to throw it all away. The old saying “They snatched defeat from the jaws of victory” seems very appropriate here.

Looking at the seasons statistics tells a story – September 4 goals scored 8 points gained. October 4 goals scored 8 points gained. November 1 goal scored 6 points gained December 1 goal scored 3 points gained.

We started OK against Rochdale Striders, passing the ball around nicely and we scored, then it all went wrong. From being told to limit the touches and play our normal fast passing game, we started holding on to the ball and running into trouble.

Too many ambitious long range passes and shots from distance let the Rochdale side back into a game we should have won easily. Of course they equalised and it was just the start of a disastrous afternoon. We know how to play a winning game, so why do we insist in altering our tactics and revert to a style that let’s the opposition take control? Unbelievable!

One thing’s for sure, we are not as good as we think we are despite winning a few trophies. When we play our fast passing and space finding game we are virtually untouchable. When we lose sight of that, we are an ordinary side.

The second game against our nearest rivals, Man City, ended in a 1-0 defeat and to be honest they had the better of play in this encounter. City were now one point behind us and in their next game they drew with Rochdale Striders to become level on points. Our next fixture versus Macabbi Old Codgers meant a win would give us the title but it wasn’t to be and it ended in a 0-0 draw.

The final game in this GMWF Over 60s Autumn League December 2018 session saw us draw 0-0 with Northgate Strollers, to give us a miserable three points on the day.

So we had completed our fixtures and were two points in the lead but City still had one game to play. Of course the inevitable happened and they won to clinch the title by one point. We only have ourselves to blame and remain in Division 3 for the Spring 2019 season. We will certainly not make the same mistake twice next time out. A very, very disappointing end to 2018. Footnote: As it turned out the situation with Man City was reversed in the 60s Autumn league Division 2 2019. Summary 2018

Who would have imagined when we started in February that we would have 7 trophy wins in such a short space of time? I don’t count the GMWF Over 60’s League Division 3 runners up as a trophy success. Our record must be virtually unmatched, 7 trophy wins in 10 months, which equates to a success record of 64% or for every 3 tournament entered we have won 2, an amazing statistic.

Apart from the obvious natural football skills our players possess, which brought us all together in the first place, we have a communal spirit which I have never encountered in football before. All the lads seem to gel with one another, which is unusual for a club with 30 plus members. I find it amazing how it has all fallen together so well and how far we have come in 10 months.

Let’s hope we all stick together for as long as possible. There is no reason why the existing 60’s cannot eventually become the 65’s, 70’s etc. The main problem will be finding suitable younger replacements as we all grow older. Not just for their football skills but their personality is equally important as well. It only takes one or two to destroy bonding and team spirit, so football ability is not the only criteria for becoming a Manchester Corinthian.

2018 is now history and although we did well considering it was our first year together in competitive walking football, we have to look to the future and improve on our trophy count. Barnsley Leggy Mambos have been the team to emulate for the last 4 years. I would like to think that Manchester Corinthians could take up the mantle held by the Mambos.

Looking forward to 2019 and we have some exciting tournaments lined up. Starting the year, in February we have the Moraira Tournament in Spain, with twelve Corinthians travelling. The GMWF League starts in March, where we will be entering two 60’s teams and a 65’s team. We are entering two teams in the Over 60’s Northern Premier League. As well as a number of one day tournaments, we will enter the National Tournament again but under the WFU banner.

Let’s hope we can add to the many trophies we have already won and why not better that total in 2019, we certainly have the players capable of it.

On Friday 9th November, nine Corinthians enjoyed a curry night at the Westwood East restaurant in Oldham. Let’s hope we do this again with perhaps a few more members attending in 2019. ***************************************************************************************