Source: http://tamestriderswalkingfootball.org.uk/friendly-fixtures/
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 06:01:19+00:00

Document:
We regret the announcement below. This is due to circumstances beyond the control of we walking footballers. Thanks to Brian at F.C. United walking football for understanding and once again I apologise profusely, and sincerely for this disappointing news.
Provisional friendly game v. N.W. England trialists. This is some way off but we have agreed a game against a team of would be internationals. Over 60 players whose clubs have put them forward and who have been involved in an ongoing selection process for a regional, WFA (Walking Football Association) national team. Under the ‘management’ of Mark Davies, who plays his walking football at The Etihad Sports complex the game will be a six a side, nine man squad thirty minute each way affair on a Wednesday morning in June. It will be filmed. Exact date to be confirmed – the twelfth looks likely at this stage. There will be a cost of £5 per player involved in this game – from both sides.
This prospect has proven popular with our players already and we have a fair few names come forward. We are looking to field an over 50’s team with an average age of 58-62.
We have an enviable unbeaten record in friendly games and this will obviously be a test. It has been organised with a view to assisting the N.W. effort and it’s likely we will not make a habit of playing teams that have been selected from the best players of a wider area.
Trevor Brereton’s take on the game….
The Amblers put out a formidable looking team for this eagerly anticipated friendly re-match at Broadhurst Park. They could afford to play the creative David Lees in goal, and the silver haired assassin Stewart White in defence and soon had the upper hand, laying siege on their opponents goal. They could and should have been out of sight in the first ten minutes. A combination of shoddy finishing, adept goalkeeping and downright bad luck, ensured United remained in the game. Terry Bertenshaw , the “Audenshaw Aguero” was most unlucky, seeing three goal attempts strike the woodwork. England trialist Woz Taylor also went close, as Amblers dominated a very useful United team. An air of frustration was palpable in the visitors camp as the half time whistle blew.
Early in the second half Amblers took a richly deserved lead, as Bertenshaw made no mistake from close range. Against the run of play United were soon level, regular Denton player Pete Dixon coolly slotting past Lees. Back came the Blues, Breretons nicely weighted pass was met by Taylor who finished decisively past the United keeper. Amblers then increased their lead as Brereton turned and fired in from the edge of the “D”. Amblers were on song now, with Right Said Fred’s John Smith, and the “Deeply Dippy” Stephen Hampson opening up the United defence , as the away sides class began to tell.
In a rare foray forward White unleashed a dipping shot that bamboozled the United keeper, and effectively put the result beyond doubt. White then put the “gloss” on the scoreline, with a controlled finish, following an excellent cross. On this display United would be a match for most teams, as would the Amblers, who continued their excellent unbeaten run.
There was minimal contact or running, in a game that was played in great spirit.
The Nash Amblers travel into Manchester at the weekend for a friendly game with F.C. United on Saturday with a 12-30pm. kick-off. . The squad will be staying on for the first team game v. FCUM which sees Mark Bradshaw taking his first bow as Team Manager of Curzon Ashton’s National League North side. It’s fitting that we walking footballers will be there in numbers to cheer Mark’s team on.
Last time we did this we triumphed by three goals to one and suffered some injuries as the game progressed. Around half of those pictured below will travel this time. Alan Richards , and others are unavailable. Stepping up are comparatively recent recruits like Woz Taylor and David Lees.
Steve Foster is also involved this time, Steve Hampson , John Smith , Terry Bertenshaw , Trevor Brereton and the team will be led by Stewart White who will no doubt be detailing arrival times and travelling arrangements. F.C.U.M. are providing food and there are no match fees associated with their pitch. Players will need to pay their own admission into Broadhurst Park however and Referee Denis Cudahy has been promised expenses to cover his travel from Horwich.
It’s hoped a match report will appear here a.s.a.p. and of course, we all wish Mark Bradshaw the very best of good fortune in his new role at Curzon.
Video ‘evidence’ click Boston below – please note my quips and silly Boston references are just a bit of fun.
We hosted our walking football visitors Boston United today as a pre-cursor to the main event clash of the Vanarama North first teams on the stadium pitch.
Bright sunshine and optimistic skies overhead saw two teams turned out very smartly contesting an excellent friendly match before an assembled throng of spectators that veered towards double figures! Boston opened brightly but the Amblers answered the questions they posed. Going forward the Blues looked threatening and Hampson opened the scoring after about five minutes. With Woz Taylor doubling the lead soon afterwards it looked like the Ambler’s unbeaten record in friendly games might be safe on this day.
However the men from Lincolnshire kept plugging away, led by the clearly skilful number 10 Scotney. Although both teams moved too quickly at times some runs were penalised, but inevitably the odd ‘burst’ slipped through the Ref’s net. Keith Burrows proved an excellent Referee and we thank him for giving up his time between weekend night shifts !
Bradshaw, in the Ambler’s goal made a couple of good saves at the ‘Pilgrims’ went on the offensive. Good passing moves saw them sweep upfield smoothly in menacing moves.
With Brereton registering on the scoresheet just before half time though it looked as though the game could see a handsome win for the Amblers.
Not so. The second period – where Bertenshaw came outfield and David Lees took up the goalkeeping position – was a nip and tuck affair. Bertenshaw – a lethal finisher at this level – could not fashion a clear cut chance. Boston pulled a goal back (Scotney, I think).
Brereton had a second ‘goal’ disallowed for pre-shot acceleration (ie. running).
A slightly curtailed second half drew to a close with handshakes all round after another worthwhile walking football experience.
The first team game of regular National League North football saw the scoreline reversed with the Curzon Ashton teams squandering a half time lead to lose by three goals to one.
Can’t win ’em all !
Thanks to Dave Fielding for coming out to support us and for helping clear up the marker kit. Also Janet – Gordon Nixon’s Wife and frequent ‘fan’. To Mark Bradshaw and Luke at Curzon and finally our visitors for making the long trip – hope you all got home okay afterwards.
Pics <here> video links WILL follow….
The friendly game with Boston United’s walking footballer’s is almost upon us. Weather looks set fair. We have a nine man squad for this seven-a-side game which must be finished by 2-45pm. at the latest so if we can gain just a few minutes with a slightly pre 2pm kick off all the better. Players should arrive no later than 1-30pm. Curzon kit provided by Mark Bradshaw. Game fee of £6 includes admission to the first team game. Keith Burrows will talk to both sets of players before kick-off to explain exactly what’s required. A friendly game is anticipated but also a stern test from a good ‘Pilgrims’ team.
KEITH BURROWS is to Referee our game with Boston United Walking football on 29th.September. Yorkshireman Keith is a badged and accredited Manchester County F.A Referee and has been gaining experience since he qualified in January. A jovial character with a ready smile and game for a laugh, but a no-nonsense Referee who has an especially keen eye for runners !
He’ll be fresh from an internal tournament of Manchester Community Walking Football clubs the week before and is taking charge of our game whilst working a night shift afterwards. We are grateful to Keith who is doing this for us voluntarily …hope it’s a great game.
The Nash Amblers have a friendly game lined up for 29th. September versus Boston United’s walking footballers. This will be on the 3g an hour before the National League North fixture between the two clubs on the Tameside Stadium Pitch. It’s hoped there may be more of this kind of game following on from last seasons friendly at F.C. United of Manchester before a similar fixture involving our first teams.
Amblers in red versus ‘Mancom’ in Blue. Early exchanges were tentative but it was not long before the Mancom ‘keeper was tested. Tests he passed with flying colours early on with several really good saves from Richards, Brereton and Hampson. Once players started to find their passing rhythm on both sides the game had a more fluent look about it.
Amblers looked solid at the back and Barry Smith , in goal was rarely troubled early doors, with Nixon , Partington and Fielding bossing things at the back for the Amblers.
With the introduction of Terry Bertenshaw on eight minutes the home team began to assert some dominance and it was the number ten Terry who struck the first goal – a superb effort , followed by a second just before half-time for which he carved out space for himself and placed his shot high into the roof of the net, to put the team in red in the driving seat.
The visitors went looking for a response and made some attacking inroads but the reds defence held firm.
half time 2- 0 .
With the advent of the second half play was more evenly balanced and Mancom played their way back into the game with goals from Kevin Longbottom. There was nothing much Barry Smith could do about either of them. No less than the team in blue deserved at this stage, although Amblers contributed with a rare defensive lapse or two which rocked the reds little but they soon began to re-organise.
As time wore on the balance of play swung away from Mancom as Brereton, fastening on to a Richards kick in beat the ‘keeper with a firm strike. Bertenshaw’s hat-trick came soon after. Lying deeper for a time he made his way forward to do what he does best, and does better than most.
At 4-2 , Partington broke through but his shot was high. With Nixon back on the field and Fielding alongside him these two stalwarts had steadied the defensive ship and the emphasis was now firmly on attack.
A second successive corner on the left saw Richards grab the initiative to find the behatted Hampson in space on the edge of the ‘D’. No mistake from the highly mobile man as he made it five goals to two. With our visitors defences looking increasingly brittle Brereton added another really ‘typical Trevor’ goal. A disputed Bertenshaw effort near the end saw the scoreline take on a somewhat flattering look of Seven goals to two.
…The really important thing was that this game was played in a friendly spirit throughout. Contact increased a little as the game wore on but there was nothing malicious on view and both Amblers and the Mancom men emerged with great credit in making their contribution to a very enjoyable game of walking football which was well handled by a confident and assertive Referee.
Footage will emerge as the game was filmed. Thanks to Canon operator Eve Richards.
It’s hoped Mancom will consider entering a team or two into the proposed ‘Fair Play’ league at Curzon, planned for late September and every month until March (not December). Failing that some of us (Tameside Striders) will see them in the GMWFL Over 65’s league in the Autumn. We seem to be on a similar walking football wavelength to our opponents today and thanks to Kevin Longbottom for his help in organising this fixture, which was followed by a convivial cup of tea and a scone or two – thanks to Janet Nixon.
Next up – next week in fact is the DENTON Walking Football Group ‘SUMMER 18’ festival on Tuesday 14th. which this year has been moved en bloc to Curzon. VERY many thanks to our Referee Garry Pearce today and of course to Mark Bradshaw and the Curzon club for facilitating our game this morning. Good to see David Fielding and Steve Foster on the touchline offering their support to the Amblers cause. Thanks for coming out fellers.
MANCHESTER COMMUNITY WF INVITED TO PLAY THE NASH AMBLERS…..
Manchester Community Walking Football Club run eight sessions per week over four different site in this area. They have been invited to bring a team to play a friendly game v. The Nash Amblers at Curzon Ashton on Wednesday 8th. August kick off 11-00am. This will be a seven versus seven affair with rolling substitutes and 25 minutes each way. We will provide a Referee and it’s hoped either Alan Graham or Garry Pearce will be available on the day. Stewart White and John Smith who usually take charge of the Amblers ‘Heywood days’ are both unavailable for this match, which will be the first friendly at The Nash in almost a calendar year, and will be the first to feature the new surface. The cost will be three pounds per player. Prospective players were quick to come forward after new of this game was announced. The provisional squad of nine players with an average age of 64 years is as follows.
BARRY SMITH / COLIN FIELDING / GORDON NIXON /DAVID PARTINGTON / STEPHEN HAMPSON / TREVOR BRERETON / JOE BEMROSE /ALAN RICHARDS / TERRY BERTENSHAW.
Some of these players have indicated they will step aside if others (who do not play at Heywood regularly) wish to come into the reckoning for a place. The Amblers have an impressive record in friendly games and have yet to lose one, having drawn last time out at Turf Moor v. Burnley.
We look forward to an interesting encounter played in good spirit and a friendly atmosphere.
Rolling substitutes will be organised so our players will get more or less equal game time in this match.
ten games of fifteen minutes duration across our two pitches.
Millers ‘A’ , ‘B’ , and our own Striders , Badgers and Bees. The Badgers (below) won the mini-league. Well done to them and their Captain Stewart White. Joe Bemrose did most of the damage on the day with a four goal haul.
Striders started well by beating the Millers ‘A’ but couldn’t repeat that success but remained unbeaten. Bees were miserly in defence conceding just one goal but only scoring one at the other end. Trevor Brereton ‘scored a penalty’ which would have seen them home against ‘Millers ‘B’ but it was adjudged illegal. Trevor had already put his team in front but Miller’s deservedly salvaged a point.
The Sportsmanship trophy went to Millers ‘A’ who finished bottom on points but emerged the winners in a way – well done. It was a pleasure to entertain you as our guests and we hope you enjoyed the day. There will be video over the coming days but I’m away soon and the wi-fi is not great for uploading big chunks of data. I’ll get it up a.s.a.p. In the meantime to remind you of a memorable day a link to our Flick photo feed will appear here very soon. Lots to look at….
Thanks to Christopher Baker for arranging this day along with yours truly….Alan Richards and a BIG thank you to the Referees, Alan Graham and Garry Pearce, to Janet, Elaine, David & Gordon plus my Wife Sue for buffet assistance. To Graham Brown and D.Y.F.C. for the venue (as always) Alan Brodie for filming and Steve Tomlinson, Bill Lancashire, Sue Richards for still pics.
After the pitch was paid for today’s event made inroads into our ‘buffer’ funds of about £60. Reminding you that this came almost exclusively from money our Referee’s donate each week from their very modest match fee for just such a purpose. Main funds have not been touched today. £2 collected from each of our players paid for the pitch with an eight pound surplus.
Steve Wingrove has had to withdraw from Wednesdays ‘Miller’s Day’ at Denton due to a family bereavement. Ken Dean will replace Steve in the Bees squad. Bernard Roddy will step up for Striders after Peter Jarvis withdrew. Hadge Cooper is unfortunately injured and his place in the Badgers line up will be taken by David Fielding. This sustained spell of decent weather looks set to continue so hopefully we will all enjoy a memorable morning and early afternoon. David Partington and Gordon Nixon have taken on the lions share of catering for the buffet and we are most grateful to them and of course their Wives Elaine and Janet who will no doubt be assisting.
Games fifteen minutes each way . Two pounds per local player payable on the day.
We won’t have time for a final play off. Hopefully there will be a mini-league winner on points after four matches each. If not we’ll go to a penalty shoot out. Best of three then sudden death.
Tried to give every team a break in the midst of the fixtures.
12.50 Points winners declared or Penalty shoot out .
Really looking forward to the 23rd. May when we entertain the Mature Millers from Rotherham. With an emphasis on pure walking football there’ll be a trophy for the team (five of them) with the fewest running and contact transgressions judged by our two F.A. Referees. Of course there will be a points winner and they will be recognised too. This ‘Gala’ or ‘festival’ day, call it what you will is a trans-pennine celebration of walking football and we hope the occasion will be a memorable one. Following the games – fifteen minutes duration each team plays the other once and the two with the most points (one for a draw three for a win) In the event of a tie on points then a penalty shoot out best of three then ‘sudden death’ each team to nominate THREE kickers. There will be a lunchtime buffet following the matches. Full format to follow. Our teams will be led by Messrs White (Amblers) Partington (Striders) and Nixon (Bees). Our goalkeepers are already named and know who they are. Thanks, Ed.
We are now looking to put three teams out against our visitors from Rotherham on May 23rd. . This will involve eighteen players. Striders in white, Amblers in blue and Bees in yellow and black stripes. This follows dialogue with Chris of The Millers. Each team will play the other once and the two teams wIth the most points will play off. We’re hoping for a festival atmosphere played in a friendly spirit between teams who play the game the way it was meant to played.
Manchester County F.A. Rules will apply and it’s hoped Badged M/cr Referees Garry Pearce and Alan Graham will officiate in these games. King Street has been booked across a three hour period from ten thirty am.
All players are requested to pay £2 towards costs. We will cover visitor costs and provide a buffet afterwards in the Outbuilding/Classroom.
Names below have been gathered already but there is still room for you if you’re quick.
Denton Walking Football Group are pleased to confirm the visit of Rotherham United’s ‘Mature Millers’ walking football team to King Street on Wednesday May 23rd. at 11-00am. Following an exchange on walkingfootball.com between yours truly and Christopher Baker the date has been agreed.
It’s hoped the ‘Millers’ will bring enough players to field two teams against Tameside Striders and The Nash Bees who will be resurrected for the day. They usually field one forty something player with the rest of the side made up of sixty plus year olds. We may need to augment their numbers with one or two players of our own but we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
Both of our squads will need a maximum of seven players for 6v.6 matches and this fixture is sure to be popular. With goalkeepers David Partington (Bees) and Barry Smith (Striders) stepping up to the plate it should be an enjoyable morning with both of our pitches in use. Garry Pearce has offered to Referee on one of them and we’ll be looking for a match official for the other. Exact format has yet to be decided but we will liaise with Christopher in the interim to decide . It’s hoped some of the games will be filmed if our visitors agree.
Among the ‘Millers’ ranks is WFA (Walking Football Assoc.) ‘Ambassador’ Tommy Charlton, but it’s not yet known if he will be amongst the visitors on the day. We will be offering our visitors customary King Street hospitality in the form of a post match buffet and a cup of tea or two.
More on our line ups as the date nears.
…it was the turn of the Nash Amblers to sample the facilities at Burnley F.C. Community with only yours truly present from the Tameside Striders squad that beat our hosts last month.
The Amblers in red and Burnley WF in their traditional claret and blue.
The opening exchanges saw both teams struggle to find their passing game at but both soon settled into an end to end routine which saw a couple of shots from forward players.
One such shot was parried by Burrows in the Amblers goal and ran out of the ‘D’ only to be met by Dave Stobbs who steered the ball past the ‘keeper to open the Claret’s account.
With Trevor Brereton entering the fray for the Amblers goal scoring hopes rose, but it was Burnley who doubled their lead with a superb drive from the halfway line from Brian Keith.
Amblers were stung and set about working their way back into the match. Brereton went close, as did White. There was an increasing speed about the Amblers as they pressed forward , Burnley too were penalised for running. Contact before the interval was low key, which made subsequent events puzzlingly perplexing.
Strangely , a whistle from the touchline troubled Referee Garry Pearce more than the play on the pitch at this stage, which was robust but fair for the most part.
Stewart White grabbed a goal back for the visitors after a ricochet from Richards’ shin landed just right for him and he made no mistake. His second came a couple of minutes later, a superb drive that left Steve Emmett with no chance.
The second half began in similar fashion. The noise level inside the arena seemed to increase. The physicality also increased as Stewart White was fouled quite badly twice in fairly quick succession and sent sprawling to the astroturf. Out of character for the game so far. The midfield was where this ‘friendly’ game was being contested now but as Conroy eased forward on the left he was looking to pass to White when the Denton man collapsed to the floor holding his side, and claiming an ‘elbow to his ribs’ . Whatever occurred the ball was nowhere near. Referee Pearce saw nothing but White was immediately replaced and took no further part as, clearly in pain he retired to the changing rooms.
For the second half of the second half Amblers were probably the better team with clear cut chances. Mike Conroy almost scored but his ball hit the post and ran along the line before being retrieved by Emmett. Trevor Brereton had a similar slice of bad luck, also hitting the frame of the goal.
We have played in competitive matches that were ‘friendlier’ than this game became. The increased physicality in the second half seemed to mirror traditional football. That’s not what walking football is about. It needs a completely different approach and a different mindset to avoid injury, and provide a sensible game at slower tempo for older bodies.
The rules are out there, albeit under three different codes (hopefully they will be consolidated and unified soon) it’s the duty of all involved, organisers , team leaders and players to digest them, and play by them. In friendly games especially, the score should never matter as much as the way the game is played. For the most part this was a closely and fairly played encounter, but we now have an injured player who was not treated within the spirit of the game today.
The fixture finished 2-2, with no further goals in the second half. It’s to be hoped that the next time we play at Burnley those rules will have been studied, and the non contact friendly game we experienced in February (and during the first half yesterday) is back on the agenda.
Thanks to Garry Pearce for Refereeing, and to Sam Wilcock, and Burnley F.C. Community for facilitating the game. Some video will emerge in due course.
CREDIT TO THE CLARETS AFTER A TOUGH INTRODUCTION TO NEW RULES….
Earlybird arrivals at Burnley the traffic had been very light and we (Terry, Barry,Tony and Yours truly) arrived in just 45 minutes from Denton. The famous old ground has changed a bit over the years – inevitably when it’s been so many of them since I last visited Turf Moor.
We were greeted by Sam Wilcock the Burnley Community man and our teammates soon arrived. The sun came out. A few photo’s were snapped. We took a look at the splendid indoor pitch , got into our kit, kicked a few balls around and had a Sam supervised warm up.
Denis Cudahy, Manchester County F.A. Walking Football Referee was the man in black.
The Burnley squad included a couple of women – the average ages of the squad was 61 for Burnley, and 64 for the Striders, for whom Steve Foster made his debut.
Once we got underway it was clear both teams could move the ball well, and had the energy to create, and move into space. We used rolling Substitutes every eight minutes or so.
Bertenshaw on the imaginary bench to begin with.
..But Burnley struck back. A fierce shot from Dave West beat Barry Smith to give a better balance and a reward for their effort going forward. This was not one way traffic. Remember Burnley WF have not really played walking football in the accepted way to now fairly normal rules. The ‘D’ s were new to them as were touch line boundaries.
Possibly the best goal of the game came when Richards, taking a corner spotted Nixon fifteen yards out and passed inch perfect to Nixon’s left foot which swung a hammer blow to the ball which flew like a cruise missile into the Burnley net. Even Emmett had no chance with that one. You’ll seldom see a better shot.
A strange , puzzling series of Burnley back passes followed . Not particularly under pressure they weren’t getting the ball forward for a while . As if the ‘keeper wasn’t busy enough performing heroics to keep his team in the game at this stage. Even Emmett couldn’t stop Bertenshaw adding two more ‘trademark Terry’ power strikes before half time.
Adrian Jones, at the home of his heroes was revelling in early second half dominance, always busy on the right. Bertenhaw almost struck immediately and fed Richards twice but his shots were mis-directed and a little lame.
Foster and Nixon were always solid at the back and John Smith, revelled in a pivotal role. With more goals from ‘Tigerish’ Terry and Smith adding another, you may have thought Burnley heads might have dropped but not at all. They kept going, playing some good walking football and Barry Smith had to fist a couple of shots over his bar. This Burnley squad was not totally representative of their group as a whole, which I understand is about thirty strong and growing. I’m not surprised with such a fantastic community resource.
Steve Emmett was again in the thick of it with a series of incredible stops from Bertenshaw who in the end lifted the ball over his body for another goal.
Still Burnley played walking football. Classic walking football with rarely any contact whatsover, if they were frustrated it didn’t show. I do not recall one running offence for Mr.Cudahy to penalise. Most of the stoppages were for over height balls.
The game finished ten – one to Striders. But this was not as one sided as it sounds and Burnley rode this steep learning curve very well. We wish them all the best in the forthcoming F.A. People’s Cup. I am sure we will return to Turf Moor – Sam and I have already discussed plans for a Friday tournament involving four teams – two from each of our groups, The Nash Amblers will visit next month. Walking football at its best and I’d be just as bullish if we’d lost – really.
Thanks again to Sam, Naomi, every one of of your players. Especially Steve Emmett – enjoy your new dog 🙂 … Tony (cameraman) and Denis (Referee). There will be pics on our Flickr feed linked from here soon. Video will take a little longer.
Our friend Flickr – check out the ‘Away Day’ album <here> 20+ pics.
Thanks to all involved . To the Burnley crew Sam and Naomi and all the staff who made us feel welcome. To Denis for Refereeing. Four of us ‘Bobbed’ back home by the scenic route to Rochdale and enjoyed a pint at ‘The Birches’ in Whitworth. We rejoiced at finally finding a pub that was open !
A great away day. A great ‘prestige’ friendly with first class, welcoming hosts at avenue oozing football tradition everywhere you looked . This is what walking football is all about for me.
Adrian Jones and Gordon Nixon are travelling together. The Burnley Community media team are covering this fixture and we have permission to film. We need £2 from each player for Ref’s expenses. We’ll play in White and Black in true ‘Badgers’ style. Should be a good day.We need to arrive no later than 11.00am please. Sam Wilcox will be waiting to greet us and ‘show us around’.
In March (20th) The Nash Amblers are invited to play at the same venue but more on that as and when appropriate. If anyone’s attendance is in doubt could you please let me know a.s.a.p.
David Partington will take the ‘Denton Thursday session’ on this day.
Ten four good buddies we almost had us a CONROY !
Out there on the edge of the High Peak the walking footballers of Whaley Bridge have been playing their own game and having a ‘whale’ of a time. We were invited to go and play them with a view to introducing what has now become the norm in terms of rules and restrictions within the wider game. No over head height balls etc, and NO ingress into the ‘D’ area. The man to explain these major difference as well as instill the ‘no contact’ message was recently qualified F.A. Referee Garry Pearce. A man quickly earning respect from the players he officiates. That was certainly the case today.
The pitch was about three quarters the size of King Street largest possibility. The preceeding night had been bitterly cold with a fierce frost and despite bright sunshine in the early afternoon it was still chilly and the snow on those hills to the east betrayed the fact that it’s winter still. There was a small patch of snow still lingering in one shaded part of the pitch.
Striders opened up well with a Penalty (for encroachment) from Bemrose and another strike from I think Trevor Brereton who ran riot here with a total of six goals! Stewart White was also on target twice. Bemrose bagged a brace. It seemed we may race away with the game but the Corinthians soon got their act together and played some good football. Dangerous going forward they pulled a goal back. Our two goal lead was restored twice but Whaley Bridge were determined to keep in touch with us and responded with two more goals before half time when the score was 4 : 3 Striders.
The second half saw some more good passing from Striders. The goals began to stack up. Shot followed shot with a good number on target, but Rob Lake who was commanding in the middle of the defence was the platform from which many of these attacks sprang from. The score opened out to ten three before Corinthians , who never gave up stuck another one in the net.
So, it finished 10 – 4 to the visitors, but I feel that flattered us just a little. I think this game was a steep learning curve for Corinthians and they coped very well with it. There was much to adjust to. Not least the very small ‘D’ which did Goalkeepers few favours. Keith Burrows did well to keep Corinthians down to four. They have some good players and will be challenging opponents if they enter more competitions.
Striders maintain their unbeaten record (W5- D1) in friendly games – I think this was the sixth or seventh. (A record shared by The Nash Amblers incidentally ). The ‘Badgers’ as they are also known with their retro black and white kit can be pleased with their day and those who move onto the GMWF Over 65’s league next week will have appreciated todays run walk out.
Changing facilities not yet confirmed for this game. If they are there may be a small charge per player of up to £2.
We’d been looking forward to our friendly game at FCUM for a few weeks.
High hopes were justified as our opponents were all Gentlemen, who play the game in the right manner. Broadhurst Park is a ‘nearly new’ stadium with community facilities on the 3g. All were busy as we arrived with enthusiastic youngsters playing their hearts out. Good to see.
Changing facilities were first class and thanks to Stewart White for the logistics in kit and transport today.
We opted to go for a longer pitch with more substantial goal posts. As the game kicked off there was rain in the air but mercifully it held off for the whole of the game, which began with the Amblers on top. Pressing forward shots either rattled the frame of the goal or brought the best out of FCUM’s goalkeeper., a younger agile man in defiant mood who had a splendid afternoon.
Stewart White opened the scoring for the Blues with a well taken goal that followed a flowing move of four or five passes. With their noses in front some defensive gaps opened up and as FCUM’s red shirted forwards went close to an equaliser only to be thwarted by Barry Smith in the Ambler’s net.
The Reds came into the game more and more but counter attacking Amblers always posed the greater threat. Disaster struck as Mke Conroy pulled up with a calf strain and could play no further part. With no substitutes we were a man down but saw the game to half time still one goal to the good. In truth, it could have been more.
Gordon Nixon reported a recurrence of hamstring trouble and played the second half between the sticks. Barry Smith, newly liberated from his goal was a clear and present danger for FCUM as his brisk walks threatened and he found himself in one on one situations with the ‘keeper who continued his acrobatics. Barry got his just reward midway in the 30th minute when his shot billowed the net. FCUM were making the extra man count in midfield and the Amblers defensive discipline was tested. Brian Morris found space on the right and fired past Nixon to reduce the arrears. With the minutes running down what could have been an anxious time for Amblers was eased when White struck again to ease the Tameside team back into the comfort zone. A great effort and a deserved victory with just five fully fit men v. seven.
Well done to our opposition today, who were a pleasure to play against. Thanks to Brian Morris and all at FCUM for their hospitality and friendly welcome. Players and staff , who made the day so worthwhile. Great thanks also to Garry Pearce for his excellent Refereeing which I’m sure all the players appreciated. A demanding job on that pitch today for a Ref who is determined to keep up with play. Very few ‘contact’ offences and I think even fewer for ‘running’. Splendid.
THE AMBLER’S SQUAD for FCUM is FULL – average age 63 – It’s tomorrow !!
Stewart White and Alan Richards.
This game has been re-arranged for Wednesday 7th. February at 2-00pm.
Striders took a squad of eight to Heywood Sports Village to play Roach Dynamo on their own astroturf. It was a wet afternoon and although the rain held off for a while the surface was very slick, and slippery. We played some good football, as did our hosts. resplendent in their Orange and Black strip. The Badgers black and white suited floodlights though and we were a little more visible. Alan Brodie put us in front in just the second minute. Dynamo equalised halfway through the first half. I think it was all square at the break.
The squad was rotated throughout the fifty minute game to give everyone more or less equal time on the pitch. Terry Bertenshaw and Trevor Brereton added a goal apiece early in the second half, with Stewart White and Joe Bemrose also going close. The Dynamo ‘keeper Garry Sweeney had a busy night and pulled off several fine saves. In our goal ‘Badger’ Burrows had a slightly quieter evening but was solid all night and made some really good reflex saves. Dynamo- only formed a few months ago played some good stuff, and were dangerous all night. They reduced the deficit to the odd goal in five with ten minutes to go,but by the end we were pinning them back and again their ‘keeper kept the scoreline tight. Striders played well too tonight.
With the astute and aware Colin Fielding our only naturally defensive player on duty , everyone put a shift in to cover the gaps and track back. Joe Bemrose especially, early doors performing well in a disciplined role at the rear. Alan Richards playing in an unusual left back role thwarted a couple of Dynamo moves with timely interventions & back passes to Burrows. Alan Brodie relished his game time tonight and contributed well to the overall performance, his opener put Dynamo on the back foot for a while.
With White, Bemrose, Bertenshaw and Brereton in the same team any goalkeeper will have a busy night. So it proved to be for Sweeney, especially as the final whistle neared. It was a pleasure to play the Dynamo, especially under those lights where both teams looked the part and entertained those watching with a good game of largely walking football! We must do it again…..
Roach Dynamo have confirmed Tameside Striders will visit Heywood Sports Village on Thursday 23rd. November for an evening friendly game under floodlights. 5-00pm kick off.
We will play in our white shirts , black shorts, black and white socks. The squad will be eight strong for this six-a-side game with rolling substitutes everyone should get meaningful time on the pitch. Keith Burrows / Colin Fielding / Alan Brodie / Joe Bemrose / Trevor Brereton/ Stewart White/ Terry Bertenshaw / Alan Richards. All players will need to pay £1.00 towards facilities (one pound). Alan Graham intimated he may be willing to Referee this game, I told Chris a Referee was essential – they don’t use Ref’s. Average age of our squad is approximately 63 years, Perhaps a little older than theirs but not much. Watch this space for more details as the date approaches.
Tameside Striders will play Whaley Bridge Corinthians at their ground on Wednesday 13th December. Some may recall we took part in a festival there in Summer 2016 – great facilities I remember. WFA Rules and we will take a Referee. Six-a-side walking football and we will need a squad of eight for this 2-00pm kick-off. We will play in our traditional white shirts for this fixture as the Corinthians play in black. More details as the date approaches. If you don’t normally feature for Striders but want to play in this one let me know at one of the upcoming sessions. We currently are halfway towards a squad of eight. Striders are very grateful to Garry Pearce, who has kindly offered to Referee this game.
Our most recent friendly was v. Weston Super Mare on 12th. September – we have video….
these video clips are necessarily bite size to suit the restrictions of the host site. Also there is much background noise not noticeable at the time plus some bloke attempting to do John Motson’s job.
A pleasure to meet, and to play our visitors from Weston super Mare at The Nash today. The guests took the field resplendent in black/white halves – no Badger’s these but SEAGULLS, complete with hashtag!…and classy gold lettering. Their ‘parent’ club play in the Vanarama National League South (Curzon, of course play in the Northern section of the League).
Amblers set about their business well and dominated the first half. With Bertenshaw and Brereton combining well , urged on by Carter, Tipping and Burrows the west country team knew they had a game on their hands.
The goals started to rack up and at half time it was four nil. Wholesale substitutions brought a better second half from Weston and they threatened early doors. A goal or two at this stage would have put a different complexion on the game but the Ambler’s defence , which now included Gordon Nixon, held firm. Nixon – late for kick off due to unavoidable traffic delays, was a half time substitute for Keith Burrows, who had an excellent first half and was only ‘subbed’ for game sharing purposes.
Amblers minus Gordon Nixon – late arrival, stuck in traffic.After the game we retired to the Snack Bar to entertain the Weston team and some of their Ladies with tea and quite comprehensive range of unbroken biscuits. Much chat and light hearted pleasantries – it was that kind of afternoon all round really. Some more still photo’s on our Flickr feed soon and the video as and when. Watch the news page and this one for links. The remaining biscuits will be offered at the next couple of sessions.
Alan of Barnsley Pals has been contacted with a view to arranging a return fixture following our memorable day across the Pennines in March. We await further word from Alan of the Pals.

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