65s: Goal fest!

Some may have wondered if our third place finish in the Dorset Walking Football League 65s last season was an over-achievement. On the evidence of League Round One this season, maybe those ponderings would have been misplaced.

Our 65s squad started the season with a new manager in the shape of Terry Benson. Terry’s been with the club just over a year and has shown great enthusiasm for his new role ahead of this season. As well as a new manager, the 65s fielded two new players – Glen Goodwin made his DSWFC debut, while Andy Wilson graduated from the 60s.

In other squad news, Peter Kane was absent while he recovers from Pneumonia. Probably wise as he has previous for ignoring medical advice!

DSWFC Tournament report

Tournament report by Terry Benson

Wednesday morning’s weather was perfect for football and despite having only eight players available, there was confidence we could draw on our recent training sessions and compete in this season’s early fixtures.

Unfortunately, we didn’t quite switch on in the first game and a well drilled Eastleigh took an early lead, which seemed to rattle us. We eventually lost 3-0. “Thoughts of Postecoglou at Nottingham Forest” ran through the new managers mind! However, regrouping and running through the areas we needed to improve changed our fortunes.

We won the next three matches and played some tremendous football. The first of those games saw us beat Bournemouth Whites 3-0. Andy Wilson opened the scoring, and that was followed by a brace from Merv Young – the clubs oldest player, and who celebrates a significant birthday on 29 October.

In our third tie, against Weymouth Blues, we went 1-0 up courtesy of another superb opener by Andy Wilson – his second of the day. We defended that lead until the last minute, at which point we conceded a fourth non-walking offence, and with it a penalty!

DSWFC 65s ‘keeper and captain, Dave Bacall, pulled off the save of the century (ed – maybe!), getting down to his right to stop a perfectly placed rocket of a shot – he even prevented the ball from rebounding, and the game was won.

Our final match of the day was against Weymouth Clarets. The scoring started when Andy Madden opened his goal account for the season, followed by Andy Wilson and Merv adding to their tally’s for the day. A 3-1 win was sealed.

Three wins in the opening four matches and we’re sitting pretty in third spot, but only on goal difference from Bournemouth Reds in second. Equal top scorers (seven) is also a satisfying early season statistic.

“Every player excelled and stuck to what was asked of them. Substitutions were handled with generous maturity, which always makes the managers job easier. One could see the difference in confidence of all the team by the last game, in which we showed great game management.

“Can’t wait for round two.”

Terry Benson, DSWFC 65s Manager

Tournament Video Highlights

A little bonus for you to take a look at – it’s a couple of highlights from our tie against Weymouth Blues…

DSWFC Season Player Stats

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

League Overview

Eastleigh are the early season pacesetters. They were unbeaten in League Round One, and didn’t conceded any goals. They also happen to be defending champions after suffering just one defeat in the first ever 65s Dorset Walking Football League last season. Bournemouth Reds and ourselves are second and third respectively, separated by just one goal.

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

Future dates

The next round of 65s Dorset Walking Football League fixtures is scheduled for Wednesday 19 November 2025, once more at the Littledown Centre in Bournemouth, with an 11:30 kick-off. Check with your club nearer the time before making your journey though!