65s: As you were, before Christmas (just closer!)

When we last left this enthralling story of our 65’s challenging at the top of the Dorset Walking Football League, Christmas was approaching and we were top. That was way back in mid-November – could our squad carry on where they left off?

The weather for the first tournament of 2026 could not have been worse!! However, DSWFC65s braved the wind and rain in Bournemouth to produce a superb performance, bagging three-quarters of the points available.

Tournament Details

🏅 65s League Round Three | 🗓️ 21 January 2025, 11:30 | 🏟️ Littledown Centre, Bournemouth | 🌧️ Wet

DSWFC Matchday Squad

David Bacall 🧤🧢 | Andy Wilson | Clive Robinson | Ed Perkins | Glen Goodwin | Paul Kybert | Peter Cherryman | Peter Kane | Mark Ciano

DSWFC Tournament report

Tournament report by Terry Benson

Our first match of the day, against Weymouth Blue, gave us a solid start. Glen (Goodwin) opened his Dexter’s goal account with a deft chip. This was after patiently waiting for the ‘keeper to go to ground, and dummying his shot several times. We had a number of attempts just off target, but a 1-0 win set the tone nicely for the rest of the day.

Having seen off The Blues, it was now time to take on Weymouth Claret. This was another one-sided affair in which we dominated possession, only to have a momentary lapse of concentration which allowed Weymouth’s defender to nick a late goal.

Andy Wilson smashed a long range worldie effort late in the game which dipped just under the bar. But it was ruled out as being above head height – a contentious decision which consigned us to only our second defeat of the season (in ten matches).

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I’d like to thank the guys who were not selected for their kind words of support, and understanding.”

Terry Benson, DSWFC65’s Manager

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We needed to pick ourselves up after that disappointment before meeting Bournemouth Reds in match three. This was another excellent performance by the squad. Peter Kane rode a sliding tackle, which VAR would have deemed “naughty”, then coolly slotted the ball into the Bournemouth net… 1-0.

But celebrations were halted when the ref brought play back for a foul (for that sliding tackle). The Bournemouth Red received a blue card, and we were awarded a penalty. Another controversial decision. However, Pete held his nerve to step up and send the ‘keeper the wrong way for his first goal of the season. Now it really was 1-0, and that’s how it stayed until the final whistle.

Our final tie of the day was against Dorchester. With confidence up, we played some of our best football of the season so far. It was a one-sided game in which we secured a 3-0 win with goals from Glen Goodwin (his second of the day, season, and DSWFC career), Peter Kane, and Andy Wilson with his fourth of the season, placing him just one behind Merv Young who was absent on the day.

DSWFC Season Player Stats

Here you can see the DSWFC 65s tournament appearances and goals for the season to date.

Player	Tournaments	Goals
Bacall, Dave	3	–
Cherryman, Peter	3	0
Ciano, Mark	1	0
Perkins, Ed	2	0
Goodwin, Glen	3	2
Kane, Peter	2	2
Kybert, Paul	2	0
Madden, Andy	2	2
Martin, Jonathan	2	0
Perkins, Ed	1	0
Robinson, Clive	2	0
Wilson, Andy	3	4
Young, Merv	2	5

League Overview

It’s still close at the top of the table, with just one point separating the top three, and Bournemouth Reds five points further back in fourth. Dexter Sports 65s are still top after their 9 point haul in League Round Three.

Eastleigh (2nd) played the bottom three teams and Weymouth Clarets to pick up 10 points, while the Clarets themselves played all other teams in the top half and Bournemouth Whites without conceding a goal, winning three and drawing one – they’re now on an eight match unbeaten run. Bournemouth Reds started the day well before losing to both Dexter’s and Clarets, which doubled their losses for the season.

Dorchester are now seven matches without winning and scoring just one goal (in a draw with Bournemouth Whites). Talking of the Whites, they drew with Dorchester to keep in touch with them, while Weymouth Blues also drew with Dorchester to double their points tally for the season.

Why not take a look at the league tables, including all results and history for the 50s, 60s and 65s.

Future dates

The 65s Dorset Walking Football League will be on Wednesday 18 March in Bournemouth. Check with your club nearer the time before making your journey though!

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