Just a: 6 minute read
The final curtain fell on the 2025/26 Dorset Walking Football League season recently. As dexter Sports Walking Football Club 60s squad headed into the final round of the 60s league, there was a sense of anticipation to finish on a high. However, while the sun was out, it proved to be a frustrating day at the office.
While we were missing a few regular faces, the primary undoing was a recurring theme of switching off in transition. Leaving quality opposition with too much space proved costly, as we struggled to maintain defensive discipline when losing possession.
Matchday Info
🏅 60s League Round Six
🗓️ 19 April 2026, 12:00
🏟️ 1610 Sports Centre, Dorchester
Dave Bacall 🧤 | Peter Kane 🧢 | Mark Sanderson | Brian Hooper | John Gray | Terry Clark | Dave Lodge | Steve Bailey | Andy Madden
DSWFC Tournament Report
📰 DSWFC Tournament Review
Tournament report by John Gray and Simon Allen
The Slow Starts
The day began with a sense of “déjà vu” across the first two fixtures. Against Wimborne, two early lapses in concentration saw us chasing the game from the start. Confidence took a hit, but we showed character in the second half. Brian (Hooper) notched his 4th of the season to give us hope, but their keeper remained inspired to deny us the draw. A 1-2 defeat.
The story repeated against Bournemouth Whites. Again, we conceded two early goals before finding our rhythm. Brian continued his fine form with his 5th of the campaign, and we were agonizingly close to a point when Captain Kane unleashed a strike that rattled the woodwork. Another 1-2 defeat.
The Stalemate
Our encounter with Dorchester was arguably our most dominant but frustrating performance of the day. We controlled the tempo and created chance after chance, yet the ball simply wouldn’t go in. At the other end, Dave (Bacall) earned us the clean sheet with a spectacular fingertip save to ensure we didn’t leave empty-handed. A goalless draw.
Facing the Champions
We saved our best football for the final game against the champions elect, Bournemouth Reds. Despite facing the league’s top side, we moved the ball well. A special mention goes to Steve Bailey, who made an impressive debut between the sticks with several vital stops. We eventually succumbed to a single early goal, losing 1–0 in a very competitive finale.
🔢 Dexter’s results
| Opponents | Score | Scorers |
|---|---|---|
| Wimborne | 1-2 | Brian Hooper |
| Bournemouth Whites | 1-2 | Brian Hooper |
| Dorchester | 0-0 | |
| Bournemouth Reds | 1-2 |
🎙️ Dexter’s quotes
For the first time this season, I came away disappointed with the performances today, i know we were without some regular players today, but most of the goals today could have been avoided as we keep switching off in transition and leaving the opposition in space.”
Overall the day mirrored our season – we promised a lot but came up short, finishing in 7th position. Thanks to all on the sidelines for the support. I’d like to thank all the squad for their availability this season and say it’s been a pleasure to be the player manager this season.”
John Gray, DSWFC 60s Manager
Thanks for the game today guys. Not great results, but there were moments of good footie, especially versus the Reds. Slow starts in a couple of games put us on the back foot, but the second halves were decent. I clearly need to practice shooting, but Brian did well… one a barnstormer.”
Dave Lodge, DSWFC 50s Manager and 60s player
It’s been a learning curve of a season. We’ve shown what we’re capable of when we’re on our game and that is something to be optimistic about. Well done guys, we have a strong core of players with no lack of ability and a great bunch, it will happen.”
Paul Gillis, DSWFC 50s and 60s player
DSWFC: Player Stats (2025/26)
With the 2025/26 league season done and dusted, we can look at some individual achievements.
- Top scorer for DSWFC 60s this season was Brian Hooper with 5, followed closely followed by Peter Kane on four.
- Three players were ever-presents at the six league tournaments… player-manager John Gray, Brian Hooper and Mark Sanderson.
- Fourteen different players represented our 60s team this season, including a guest appearance by Guy Henville as loanee goalkeeper in Round One.
60s League: Season Summary
The final standings confirm a dominant repeat for the reigning champions. Bournemouth Reds have secured their second title in a row, finishing with 59 points and a league-best defense that conceded only 9 goals all season. Eastleigh pushed them close once again, finishing as runners-up for the second consecutive year while ending the campaign as the league’s top scorers with 48 goals.
Further down the table, Dexter Sports established themselves as the league’s “draw specialists,” recording a division-high 8 draws. At the other end of the spectrum, it was a difficult campaign for Dorchester, who finished in 9th place with only 8 goals scored across their 24 matches.
You can take a look at the league tables for full details and historical results.
Future dates
The next date on the 60s fixture list is 17 May for the Dorset Walking Football League Cup. This years tournament is scheduled to be played at our home ground, The County Ground, Hamworthy with kick-off at 2pm. Check with your club nearer the time before making the journey though!
The FA Walking Football Cup is also on the horizon, so keep an eye out for updates on that soon.
Get in touch
The physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise are well known. If you’re interested in playing football in a friendly, safety first environment, get in touch with Dexter Sports Walking Football Club now…
Follow us
For more tournament updates during the course of the season, including the 50s, 60s and 65s teams, be sure to follow us on our various social accounts to be ahead of the game…
