The final day of the Dorset Walking Football League 60s division was played at the Littledown Centre in Bournemouth on a hot and sunny Sunday at the start of May. The round clashed with the London Marathon, although we’re not sure how many players would have been double-booked for both events!
For us, our captain, Peter Kane was absent for the first time this season, with medical professionals tutting with disapproval in the background. Making his (successful) 60s debut for DSWFC though was Andy Wilson.
Dexters were so flush with available players, we were able to loan two of our finest (Terry Clark and Peter Cherryman) to Dorchester so they were able to fulfill their final fixtures of the season. Our final four matches were scheduled to be Bournemouth Whites, Eastleigh, Dorchester, and Bournemouth Reds.
Matchday Squad
David Bacall (GK) | Paul Gillis | Brian Hooper | Mark Sanderson | Andy Wilson | John Gray | Andy Madden
Tournament Report
We started the day well with a 2-0 win against Bournemouth Whites. Our previous results against the whites this season were a 1-1 draw and a 0-1 defeat. This was a decent result, secured with a brace for Andy Madden – bringing his season total to four.
Our previous results this season against our next opponents, Eastleigh, were also a 1-1 draw and 0-1 defeat. In this match though, the result was reversed compared to our first of the day – that’s right, we lost 0-2.
Our third match of the day was against a Dorchester side containing our Peter (Cherryman) and Terry (Clark). Playing his debut tournament, Andy Wilson opened his goals account as well, to put DSWFC one up. But then Terry decided to ignore the script and equalise for Dorchester with a fine strike! The game remained level until late on. Andy (Wilson) wasn’t happy with one debut tournament goal, and scored another before Brian “Hoops” Hooper wrapped up the match 3-1.
The final game of the league season was against league champions Bournemouth Reds. We held them to a goalless first half, but then collapsed in the second as fatigue set it in… that and some quality finishing from Bournemouth saw us go down 4-0.
John Gray, DSWFC 60s manager
“It was bit warm for football today and very warm for those marathon runners.
“In my opinion we are now playing our best football of the season and performances are encouraging for future tournaments. For me it’s an honour to be involved with such a great bunch.
“Thanks to Andy and Kate for the sausage rolls and for all those who came along to offer support.”
Andy Madden, DSWFC 60s player
“I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed playing 60s League football this season with a bunch of blokes I consider true mates. Paul G says this often but I would like to echo his thoughts of how lucky we are to do what we do at our advanced age. Thanks fellas.”
Paul Gillis, DSWFC 60s player (in his 60s debut season)
“Absolutely Andy. Whilst we can always strive to be better at it, both individually and collectively, just being able to play is a privilege and to do so with such great team and clubmates is a blessing.”
Tom Deady, DSWFC 60s player (but not until next season)
“Well done boy’s, hopefully we can climb that table next season. Really looking forward to playing 60s football & adding my game to an already good squad of players.”
Player Season Stats
During the course of this season, 11 players represented DSWFC in the 60s age group, with three of those present at all six league rounds – Dave Bacall, John Gray and Mark Sanderson. Our top scorer was team captain, Peter Kane, with six.
| Player | Tournaments | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Bacall, Dave | 6 | |
| Cherryman, Peter | 5 | 1 |
| Clark, Terry | 1 | |
| Gillis, Paul | 5 | |
| Gray, John | 6 | 1 |
| Hooper, Brian | 5 | 3 |
| Kane, Peter | 5 | 6 |
| Madden, Andy | 5 | 4 |
| Ryan, Mike | 2 | |
| Sanderson, Mark | 6 | |
| Wilson, Andy | 1 | 2 |
Future Dates
The next date in the Dorset Walking Football League is Sunday 22 June, when our 60s get to defend the League Cup they won at the end of the 2023/24 season. It’ll be played at on our home patch, the County Ground in Hamworthy, with a midday kick-off.
Why not take a look at the Dorset Walking Football League tables and results for all the age groups (and previous seasons)?
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…
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