Harrogate Strays Over 70s compete in WFLA National Finals

Farrah Rose Competition

Although this is an Over 50s competition, and we knew we would find it difficult against younger sides, we wanted to enter a team into the competition. The Farrah Rose,is organised annually on behalf of Grangetown Walking Football Club by the NPL and remembers a daughter of a Grangetown member, who died tragically young.

In the 4 games played, we managed 1 win and 3 defeats:

The opening game went 0-3 to 'Day Ooot' (who appeared to be Newcastle Benfield). We played well enough, but only when the game had been conceded.

In the 2nd game, we lost 0-2 to Morley. Both goals were unfortunately avoidable, with Morley players not tracked and left unmarked.

The 3rd game against Blackburn Rovers was lost 0-1. We played very much better, against a very good team, but conceded an early goal and couldn’t find a way past the Rovers keeper.

Our final game was played against Bradford City B, and we finally took our chances and ran out 5-0 winners, with Derek Rowe (3), Neil Waite and Tom Robinson getting our goals.

Credit goes to the whole squad who’s ages ranged from 60 to 74! A particular mention for goalkeeper Paul Rogers who was faultless in all 4 games and was delighted to get a clean sheet against his former club!

The squad was: Paul Rogers, Adrian Harrison, Steven Fort, Mike Pyle, Roger Gillbanks, Debbie Naylor, Neil Waite, Tom Robinson and Derek Rowe

Rod Clifton

Secretary

Over 70s – WFLA National Cup 3rd Round

Our Over 70s travelled to the Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre in Cudworth , Barnsley to play the 3rdround games which were the regional semi-finals of the North Group of the WFLA Cup.

In warm sunshine, we were to face Bolton Arena, Leggy Mambos and Manchester Corinthians, with only the top team guaranteed a place in the National Finals.

First up were Bolton, who we had played previously in the WFA National Cup. In another tight game against this side, which we felt we edged, we couldn’t break the deadlock and the game ended goalless. The Leggy Mambos v Manchester Corinthians games was also 0-0.

Goals were clearly going to be hard to come by and the second game, against a strong Mambos side also ended 0-0, despite Mambos losing a player for 5 minutes following a blue card offence.

We knew we needed to win our third game, against Manchester Corinthians, as Corinthians had beaten Bolton Arena in their second game, so the pressure was on! 

We took the lead on 8 minutes when captain Mike Pyle’s strong shot went under the Corinthians keeper. It stayed 1-0 up to half time, but 3 minutes into the 2nd half, Mike was blue carded for a last-ditch tackle, and our task was made even harder. Despite hitting the post twice, we couldn’t extend our lead, but two minutes after Mike completed his 5 minute suspension, Derek Rowe increased our lead with a long range thunderbolt and a 2-0 victory was well-earned. 

Unfortunately for us, Mambos took a 3-0 victory against Bolton, meaning they pipped us by one goal and qualified, but all is not lost. As runners up, we now need to wait for the results of the Midlands North Group 2 games on July 23rd. If we have bettered the results of the runners-up in this group, we’ll be off to the finals!

Congratulations to everyone in the squad, all of whom played a part in our success. The squad was:

Steve Simpson (GK), Steven Fort, Charlie Florance, Dave Byrne, Mike Pyle (captain), Paddy Keightley, Colin Stringfellow and Derek Rowe (player manager)

Rod Clifton

Secretary

Over 60s NPL Round 3

Harrogate Strays played their final round of games in the Northern Premier League season at Goals, Leeds on Sunday 7th July.

The first game was against Leeds Morley, and after taking an early lead through a smartly taken Neil Waite goal, Strays were unfortunately unable to maintain their advantage. Two second half replies from Morley gave them the points.

Game two was against Bradford City and in this one, Strays were much sharper. Tom Robinson opened the scoring with a good turn and finish on the edge of the box; Neil Waite made it two with a good left foot shot from the right hand side and victory was sealed with a third goal in the second half, again from Neil Waite, after a scramble on the edge of the Bantams area and good retrieval work by Tom Robinson.

The day was completed with a 4-3 friendly win over Rothwell Old Boars. In a ding-dong battle, well refereed by Strays own Richard Abbott, a Derek Rowe hat-trick and one from Derek Gibson sealed the victory against old rivals.

There were some excellent performances on the day. As well as our goalscorers, Mike Norris was his usual athletic self in goal, producing a number of first class saves and everyone in the squad chipped in with assists and good defensive work.

The Strays squad was:

Mike Norris (GK), Mike Pyle (Captain), Adrian Harrison, Phill Holdsworth, Derek Gibson, Neil Waite, Tom Robinson, Bernie O’Brien (Player Manager) and Derek Rowe.

Rod Clifton

Secretary

  Harrogate Strays Over 70s

WINNERS - Cottingham Rangers 

Steve Wray Memorial Tournament!

Harrogate Strays were invited to join the tournament which comprised 8 over 70s sides predominantly from the East Riding Walking Football League. at the excellent facilities of Hull University.

We were drawn in Group B, along with Hornsea Town, Grimsby and Cottingham Whites.

Strays 1 Cottingham Whites 0

A late opportunity taken by Derek put us 1-0 up and we saw the game out. 

Hornsea 0 v Strays 1

Despite us missing an earlier  penalty, a deftly placed pass following a free kick found Mike Pyle free on the right to slot home. Steve Simpson was called upon a number of times to allow us to keep another clean sheet.

Grimsby 1 Strays 0

The Grimsby team was comprised of Corinthians and Mariners players. They came into the game unbeaten, but with a superior goal difference to Strays, so we knew this was going to be a tough test. The winning goal came from their number 9 placing an unstoppable shot past Steve. Despite our pressure, we were unable to break them down. However, we had done enough in the earlier games to move to the semi-finals as runners up. 

SEMI FINAL: Strays 2 Cottingham Yellows 0

The Cottingham Yellows were clearly the best of the 3 squads they entered, and as they had won their Group, we knew this was the hurdle to pass. Our goals came from two penalties, 10 minutes apart, Derek bagging both, past a very good goalkeeper. The referee afterwards commented that this was the best game of calm possessive walking football he had ever seen. 

Over 75s Memorial Game

This game presented an opportunity for our very own England stalwart Lawrie Coulthard to represent the club and he did us proud, playing centre forward, a la Alan Shearer style he soon put his stamp on the game, the result was immaterial, the ability to field a mixed squad of 16 over 75 players with an 85 year old was an achievement in itself, Lawrie earning himself a medal for his endeavours.

FINAL: Hull Pacemakers 0 Strays 1

Hull had knocked out Grimsby in the other semi-final via a penalty shoot-out. Derek opened the scoring on 10 minutes with an unstoppable shot. Both keepers made good saves, especially Steve’s with 5 minutes to go.  

The organisers and opposing teams were very complimentary of our composure and style of play. It was great achievement for the club and the squad to bring home some silverware!

Today's squad was:

§ Steve Simpson (GK)

§ Steven Fort

§ Dave Swain

§ Charlie Florance

§ Mike Pyle

§ Paddy Keightley

§ Derek Rowe

§ Lawrie Coulthard

More match action is available in the Gallery.

Thanks again to Paul Rogers!

Rod Clifton

Secretary

Over 60s NPL Round 2

Our Over 60s faced another difficult round of games at Goals, Leeds in the Northern Premier League, again coming up against old rivals in Rothwell Old Boats, Blackburn Rovers and Wakefield. Although we had a strong squad available, we were missing Bernie O'Brien, who had to manage the team from the sidelines!

We faced Rothwell first, and in a tight game with few chances, we shared the points in a scoreless draw.

Blackburn were up next, and we know what a good side they are. Rovers took the lead on 5 minutes and that remained the score at half time, with little between the teams. Blackburn dominated thereafter, and scored two second half goals, within a minute of each other, to take a 3-0 victory. Strays ended the game a man short, with Mike Pyle shown a blue card for twice ignoring the referee's whistle on a Strays free-kick!

Our final game was against Wakefield, and we were quick out of the traps, with Neil Waite opening the scoring in the first minute. That proved to be a false dawn, though, and Wakefield came back to take the points with a 3-1 victory; the third goal a penalty after Tom Robinson was adjudged to have entered the penalty area.

We go again on 7th July!

The Strays squad was:

Mike Norris

Steven Fort

Dean Tunbridge

Phill Holdsworth

Mike Pyle

Tom Robinson

Richard Ramsey

Neil Waite

Rod Clifton

Secretary

Harrogate Strays Over 65s v Wakefield

WFA National Cup, Round 2

 After a cagey opening 10 minutes (in a 40 minute tie), where Wakefield were probing, but Strays were defending well, Wakefield took the lead with a good shot from distance which flew into the corner of Paul Rogers’ net. The score remained at 0-1 until half time.

Paul Hutchinson replaced Mike Pyle at the break, but Mike was back after 30 minutes when he replaced Paddy, who was only off for 2 or 3 minutes before he was back on to replace Paul Bell, who was unwell. All the changes didn’t seem to affect the Strays as they found an equaliser with less than 5 minutes remaining, Paul Hutchinson scoring   when he was left unmarked following a corner.

Wakefield soon regained the lead, however. Paul Rogers made a great save (one of many in the game) but as the ball was coming back to a Wakefield player in a goal scoring position, a Strays defender encroached into the penalty area and referee John MacKinnon pointed to the spot. The penalty was dispatched efficiently, and Strays were up against it with only minutes remaining. Their task became even harder when Bernie O’Brien was forced off with an ankle sprain, leaving Strays with only 4 outfield players. Wakefield wrapped up the victory with a 3rd goal; their efficient passing play was too good for us when we were a man down.

Despite the defeat, this was an excellent display by all of our players, which was acknowledged by our opponents. But for the injury and illness, who knows....?

Congratulations to Wakefield, who were a very accomplished team. We wish them well going forward in the competition.

The Strays squad was:

Paul Rogers

Paul Bell

Paul Hutchinson

Adrian Harrison

Mike Pyle

Bernie O’Brien

Paddy Keightley 

Footnote:

After hospital treatment, Paul was fine to return home. Thanks to Paul Rogers for all of his help, to the paramedics and the staff at Goals, Leeds who attended to Paul B.

Rod Clifton

Secretary

Harrogate Strays Over 70s v Bolton Arena

WFA National Cup, Round 2

Despite playing some excellent football and taking the lead through an early Charlie Florance goal, Strays were knocked out of the cup in a competitive encounter at Goals, Leeds. 

Bolton struck twice in the first half to take a 2-1 lead, before Colin Stringfellow brought the tie level before half time with a deserved equaliser following a free kick. The Bolton keeper made a handful of very good stops and Bolton took the tie when their striker was left free in front of goal to slot home the winner. 

Final score: Strays 2 Bolton Arena 3.

Today's squad was:

• Steve Simpson (GK)
• Steven Fort
• Dave Byrne
• Charlie Florance
• Mike Pyle
• Paddy Keightley
• Colin Stringfellow
• Derek Rowe
• Lawrie Coulthard

More match action is available in the Gallery.

Thanks again to Paul Rogers!

Rod Clifton

Secretary

HSWFC

Harrogate Strays Over 70s v Doncaster Dynamos

WFA National Cup, Round 1

Strays’ Over 70s met Doncaster Dynamos at Leeds Goals in a first round tie of the Walking Football Association Cup and came away with the narrowest of victories, winning 3-2 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw at full-time.

In a match that was keenly fought throughout, Dynamos took the lead in the 17th minute (of a 40 minute game) when they carved through the centre of the Strays defence. The score remained at 0-1 when concerted Strays pressure led to an equaliser from captain Mike Pyle who finished coolly in the corner of the net.

The match was heading for a penalty shoot-out when Strays survived a last attempt on goal, with Steven Fort fortunate to receive only a warning from the referee for denying a goal scoring oppportunity. Dynamos failed to capitalise on the resulting free-kick and the game ended all square.

With the shoot-out level at 2-2 (in a best of 3 format), Steve Simpson pulled off a fine save to deny the Doncaster player, allowing Mike Pyle to score the winning penalty. Charlie Florance and Colin Stringfellow wwere also successful from the spot.

The Strays Squad (managed by Derek Rowe in a non-playing capacity due to injury) was:

· Steve Simpson (GK)

· Steven Fort

· Dave Byrne

· Charlie Florance

· Mike Pyle

· Colin Stringfellow

· Lawrie Coulthard

Rod Clifton

Secretary

HSWFC

Strays Over 60s v Leeds Titans

WFA National Cup, 1st Round

Our Over-60s met with Leeds Titans in the first round of the Walking Football Association (WFA) National Cup. The draw could have been kinder, not least because it brought the Strays up against one of the stronger local teams in a match-up played over 40 minutes, much longer than regular walking football games. In beautiful conditions the clash got under way, cagey at first. Titans had plenty of possession, but the Strays were disciplined in defence and kept to the pre-match game plan. Towards the end of a competitive first half, Strays managed to get the ball forward to the edge of the Titans' box and Neil Waite scored a scruffy goal to give the Strays a lead at half time. Titans reinforced their side at the break and started quickly, soon scoring an equaliser with a shot from a lay-off that found the corner. Shortly afterwards, Strays failed to clear the ball around the edge of their own box and the ball fell kindly for a snapshot to be struck past Mike Norris to give Titans a lead. Thereafter the pressure was almost one-way, the Titans' tails were up, and they rattled in a third goal. The Strays' impressive early discipline evaporated as they chased the game, and things got ragged, although a late penalty award raised hopes of a potential comeback. Sadly the spot kick was missed and the Strays fell to a 3-1 defeat. As the pros say, we need to take the loss on the chin, take the positives from the performance and build on them. 

Bernie O’Brien

Over 60s Manager

Strays’ Over 60s Begin NPL Campaign

A disappointing set of results for the Over-60s in the first set of Northern Premier League (NPL) fixtures, left the squad extremely frustrated. Against admittedly tough opposition, Harrogate Strays managed to play plenty of neat football and were more than competent in possession, but defensive lapses cost goals and scoring at the other end remained a problem.

First up were Leggy Mambos, who scored an early goal from a simple lay back to an onrushing midfielder - simple but effective. Mambos were slick as ever but it was nip and tuck for a while until poor positioning at a free kick in the second half left Mike Norris exposed and fetching the ball out from the net. Thereafter Mambos cruised confidently, securing a third goal from close range after a nifty spin and shot.

Next came Leeds Titans and the Strays probably had the greater possession and a degree of control until Titans played a ball across the edge of the area and Derek Rowe inadvertently prodded the ball into his own goal while trying to prevent the ball reaching a lurking Titans striker. Neither team had too many goal bound shots, so a keenly fought contest was decided by that single piece of misfortune.

The final game was against York Vikings, and Harrogate Strays had the better of the first half, playing some controlled football albeit without posing a significant goal threat. Unfortunately the second half performance was a little more ragged, and Vikings took advantage of Bernie O'Brien's hesitation on the edge of the box, the ball breaking perfectly for a first time strike into goal. Despite pressing for an equaliser, Harrogate then succumbed to a "worldy" long-range shot that flew into the top left-hand corner.

Yet again this season the Strays are in a merged division with plenty of strong teams from the former Division One, whereas in our previous existence we were a Division Two side. So we fully expect a challenging set of games in the NPL and need to find a way to cope better - concentration at the back and penetration up front are key to achieving that.

Bernie O’Brien

Over 60s Manager

Harrogate Strays

Walking Football Club

Strays’ Over 60s and Over 65s Exit the WFLA National Cup

Despite a run of defeats in the WFLA CUP at Over-60 and Over-65 levels, all is not doom and gloom. Holding the Over-60 and Over-65 cup rounds on the same day meant that we had to juggle resources to compete in both, whereas some clubs withdrew from one or both age levels because they could not realistically field competitive teams in both.

The contesting teams in the Over-60 category included three of the “big names” in local walking football circles, all of whom are heavyweight teams in the Northern

Premier League (NPL) Division 1 and have smatterings of players with England experience. The Strays squad was always intended to try out our “younger”

members in readiness for future fixtures, but we sadly suffered from the unavailability of some key players, meaning that a handful of our Over-65s had to be drafted into the squad.

In the circumstances, defeats by Leggy Mambos (0-2), Wakefield Wanderers (0-3) and Leeds Titans (0-1) were not too surprising. Losing 0-3 to Leisure United was

disappointing, as they were an unknown quantity and we had enjoyed a better share of possession and chances to score, but goals had been proving hard to come by.

Improving performances happily culminated in a win in the final game against Leeds Morley, Phill Holdsworth showing elite finishing skills in scoring both goals, in a 2-0 victory. It’s to be hoped that the experience of playing against quality teams will stand us in good stead for the upcoming NPL season. 

The Squad was: Mike Norris (GK), Adrian Harrison, Steve Dodsworth, Terry Tuplin, Derek Gibson, Phill Holdswoth, Bernie O'Brien, Tom Robinson, Debbie Naylor, Derek Rowe.

The Over-65s had higher hopes of success, but endured a similar problem in putting the ball in the goal. A promising 0-0 draw with Mambos was followed by a loss to a strong Wakefield line-up, though the 0-4 score line felt slightly unjust. Then two decent displays against Leisure United and East Riding Rangers, both ending in

narrow 0-1 defeats, were games (apologies for the cliché) that could have gone either way.

The squad was: Paul Rogers (GK), Adrian Harrison, Paul Hutchinson, Mike Pyle, Paddy Keightley, Tom Robinson, Bernie O'Brien, Derek Rowe.

Massive praise must go to both of our goalkeepers, who kept us in the running (?) in games with incredible reaction saves. The quality of goalkeeping generally was very high!

Bernie O’Brien

Over 60s Manager

Harrogate Strays

Walking Football Club

Strays’ Over 70s success in WFLA National Cup, 2nd Round

Our Over 70s travelled to the Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre in Cudworth on Saturday 9th March to play in the second round of the WFLA (Walking Football Leagues Alliance National Cup. 

We were drawn in a group comprising teams from our own NPL (Northern Premier League), Sheffield & Hallam and Durham, and following the late withdrawal of Leisure United from Sheffield and Leeds Titans, we were left with a four team round robin competition comprising Harrogate Strays, Leggy Mambos, Wakefield Wanderers and Newcastle Benfield.

We faced Mambos first and in a tight game which could have gone either way, we took a point each in a 0-0 draw.

We then took the points against Newcastle Benfield with a 1-0 win. Paddy Keightley getting our goal after a good through ball from Mike Pyle. 

In the third game we overcame Wakefield Wanderers, again 1-0, with an early Colin Stringfellow goal sealing the points and our qualification to round 2!

In all three games, we created numerous chances and but for the woodwork being struck four times, our goal count might have been higher. Steve Simpson pulled off a couple of good saves too to keep us in the hunt.

This was an excellent set of results from Derek Rowe’s squad and bodes well for the future!

The squad was:

Steve Simpson (GK), Charlie Florance, Dave Byrne, Mike Pyle (Captain), Paddy Keightley, Lawrie Coulthard, Derek Rowe and Colin Stringfellow.

With grateful thanks to Paul Rogers for photos and video! 

Rod Clifton

Secretary

Harrogate Strays

Walking Football Club

Videos of all three games are here: