FA Walking Football Cup 2025 – 50s Regional Finals

After a successful county qualifying tournament in August, we earnt the right to represent Dorset at the South-West Regional Finals of the FA Walking Football Cup 2025 in Exeter. Our 60s squad had also secured a place (through the back door) to the regional finals.

There were so many of us we hired a minibus and set off from the County Ground in Hamworthy for Exeter University early(ish) on Sunday morning, with the tournament due to start at midday – plenty of time.

Then, it started to rain and it quickly became apparent the minibus was going to struggle up the multiple hills on our journey with 17 men onboard! After a couple of hours we discovered why it was so hot in the

We did turn up a little than we’d hoped, but we still had time to take in the venue and atmosphere. It was a really well organised tournament, music, a decent PA system and all matches kicking off in unison with a rousing, nerve jangling countdown.

FAWFC25: South-West Regional Finals Team Lineup (50s)

• Somerset: Weston 50+
• Devon: Torquay United
• Wiltshire: Melksham
• Cornwall: Lanivet Inn
• Dorset: Dexter Sports Thunder
• Gloucestershire: not represented

Group table and results

Dexter’s Thunder Tournament Report

It made a pleasant change to pay in a tournament where we didn’t know any of the opponents. But of course, that means treating every match as though they’re the best team there.

Unfortunately, many of our early matches were at the same time as the 60s. So, not only could we not support our compatriots, but we also didn’t have our manager, Andy (Madden), on the sideline – Paul Gillis stepped in for Andy.

Melksham (Wiltshire)
We started the tournament in good form. We were solid, kept our shape and were a constant threat. What we weren’t good at, was not walking!

It was a good job we were already 3-0 up (through Luke Hitchen, Gary Craig and a rare Simon Baker goal) when we were pulled up for our fourth non-walking offence. Melksham duly dispatched the penalty and it ended 3-1.

A really good start.

Torquay United (Devon)
After a 30 minute break, we lined up against Torquay United. Again, we didn’t know what to expect – all we knew was they’d drawn 1-1 with Weston 50s. As it turned out, Torquay were the team to beat on the day. They would go on to be crowned South-West Champions by the end of the day.

In this match they were organised, skilful and robust. Torquay won 1-0 and were probably good for that win too. Maybe our first result had introduced some complacency – we didn’t play our best in this one.

Weston 50+ (Somerset)
With two group matches done, and two more to go, it was looking dodgy to finish in the top two and therefore play in the final. Our third match was against Weston 50+ who were unbeaten and on four points from their opening two matches.

We couldn’t afford to lose, and we didn’t… but we didn’t win either! A 0-0 draw meant Weston remained unbeaten and we’d need to win our final match, while hoping the other results went our way.

Lanivet Inn (Cornwall)
Our final match would see us complete our group fixtures before anyone else.

We beat Lanivet Inn relatively comfortably 2-0, with a brace from Luke. That meant we needed Melksham to not lose in the final group match against Weston 50+. As it turned out, a tired looking Weston lost 1-0 and we were through to the Final against Torquay, as runners-up in the Group Phase.

The Final: Thunder vs Torquay

After playing Torquay in the second match of the Group, we knew it was going to be a competitive Final.

Possibly the most significant moment of the match came within the first first minutes. Torquay were penalised for a defender straying in to the ‘keepers area – a penalty to us and a golden opportunity to take the lead and control the match.

The normally reliable Luke had his spot-kick well saved down low. But the goalkeeper was unable to prevent the ball rolling back to Luke on the edge of the box. With a second bite of the cherry to score his fourth of the tournament, he just had to keep his cool… but a Torquay defender got his foot around Luke and poked it away.

The referee blew once again for encroachment into the area – we had a second penalty, in the space of two minutes! This time Gary (Craig) took responsibility for the kick. He sent the keeper the wrong way and many people thought it was about to nestle just inside post, but the ball flashed past the upright, and the game remained 0-0.

Although we kept our effort and heads up, and were arguably the better side, we went on to lose 0-2. One of those goals was after a mistake in midfield, but even after that, we stuck together and fought until the end.

With that defeat went a huge opportunity to really make a mark in the FA Walking Football Cup 2025, but it wasn’t to be – maybe we’ll go one step further next year. Well done to Torquay United – worthy winners.

Perhaps you’d like to read about the efforts of our 60s team in the FA Walking Football Cup Regional Finals 2025.

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