60s FAWFC 2025: So, so Close in Dorset FA Qualifier

Intro and Eagles reporting by John Gray

Having grown up with the FA Cup being a prestigious tournament, when Andy (Madden) first mentioned the FA Walking Football Cup my thoughts were immediately on the final being played at Wembley! Of course, that was a dream. But what the tournament did do was offer an opportunity for us old guys to say we played in the FA cup.

Having two 60s teams enter the same tournament was also a first. I had the privilege of managing the Eagles squad, while Paul (Kybert) would be overseeing the Falcons. Here we’re reporting on the 60s tournament. If you’re interested in reading how the 50s got on, take a look at our 50s FA Walking Football Cup review.

Tournament Story

Dexter Sports Eagles

In the Eagles first game we came up against Dorchester. Despite going 3-0 down we came back with two goals from the Andy’s Madden and Wilson. Dorchester were holding on at the end, but held on to there slender lead, which was a 2-3 defeat for us. Dorchester would go on to top the table and remain undefeated.

Next up for the Eagles was Sherborne. This was a close game which was decided by a decent strike from 60s captain, Peter Kane.

The Eagles kept a second consecutive clean sheet in drawing 0-0 with Weymouth. It was another cagey match, and left Eagles with some work to do in their last match, as well as hoping other results went their way to top the group and qualify.

Our final game was against fellow Dexter’s family members, The Falcons. Strikes from Peter Kane (again) and Brian Hooper saw the game end in Eagles favour, 2-0 and another clean sheet.

Overall some good football was played and the Eagles showed we have much optimism for next season with a second placed finish in the group. Not quite good enough to qualify for the Regional Finals in September for the 60s.

Dexter Sports Falcons

The day didn’t get off to a great start for the Falcons. A 0-5 reverse at the hands of Weymouth wasn’t what was needed. This would be Weymouth’s only win of the day.

Despite considerable effort, Falcons received another heavy defeat in match two – this time going down 0-3 to Dorchester. No goals scored and plenty conceded meant qualifying was out of the question now, but there were still opportunities and lessons to be learnt.

With their tails up and playing well, Dexter’s Eagles gave no quarter in our penultimate match. Another blank in front of goal and a solid performance from the opposition saw Dexter’s Falcons go down 0-2 in this one.

A 0-2 defeat was also the outcome of Falcons final match against Sherborne. It’s fair to say this was a difficult day. A failed experiment with two 60s teams, or useful lessons to be learnt going forward? Well, as a club we’re resourceful, committed and eager to offer as many players tournament time as possible. The 60s squad will continue to improve.

Group table and results