League Tables

Northern Counties Alliance 70’s Walking Football League

Following a summer recess, the squad travelled to Wakefield missing a number of influential players but with sufficient belief in the squad to face what was a huge task ahead of us in our attempt to climb to second in the division in order to maintain

pressure on the league leaders and those around us.

This time around the squad faced Wakefield Reds, Doncaster, Leeds Walking Football, Wakefield Purple

and Leggy Mambos, with the team rested being Bradford.

GAME 1 - Result - Wakefield Wanderers Reds 0 Strays 1

Last time out the Reds beat us convincingly with a very assured display, so we had to be up for it and not succumb to a poor start. A very, very tight game ensued where both teams were well organised and

disciplined in defence with very few opportunities to break the deadlock, which said the Strays were playing for each other, heads up and calm maintaining a 0-0 at half time. At the resumption a tactical change in press pulled them into the area of the pitch where we wanted them to play opening up numerous opportunities, the tactic worked, with minutes to go a through ball from Mike allowed Derek to turn the defender to deftly nick a left footed shot to grab the goal. After that it was complete possession by Strays until the final whistle, Spuggy (Dave Sparrow) and Dave Byrne holding play in a very assured way.

GAME 2 - Result - Doncaster 0 Strays 2

It was clear that Doncaster had drafted in new players, therefore a rotational change in strikers to

maintain freshness was needed, they were much better organised and presented a threat. Throughout

the game Strays had a lot of possession making it count just before half time where a neat ball from Spuggy found Derek to slot it home in the near corner to open the scoring. At the resumption Doncaster

searched hard for an equaliser but our solidity in defence and midfield held them, from a very neat

passage of play Mike played a great ball wide to Derek to smack home an unstoppable shot to ease the

pressure, as in game one, we maintained possession and slowing play down to see the game out

Game 3 - Result - Leeds Walking Football 1 Strays 4

The team were not relaxing. A further rotation of our strikers with Paul Dexter facing his old club to

freshen up the attack was put in place. We knew the next two games were our chance to increase our

points tally on the day. That said we faced a very well organised Leeds. Despite us starting brightly, each

team were cancelling the other out in all positions until Mike found the breakthrough with a very well

struck shot to open the scoring, to be followed in quick succession with a goal from Derek to put is in the

driving seat. After half time Leeds re-organised to create us problems, but Colin found the net to ease the

pressure with Leeds pulling one back from a deflected goal, which was soon cancelled out by a solo

effort from Derek to put the game beyond doubt.

GAME 4 - Result - Wakefield Wanderers Purples 1 - Strays 4

It was starting to feel like our day, once again rotating our strikers to keep us fresh up front, however we

started the game as if we had forgotten how to play, we were completely out of sorts, our normal

passage of play interrupted with stricter not walking infringements for Mike disrupting our play with a half

time 1-0 deficit. A re-organisation put Mike in as anchor and Dave into midfield allowing us to completely

control possession to get back into the game with an early equaliser from Derek, quickly followed by a

second from Colin to put us back in the driving seat. A third from Derek quickly followed and a well-deserved goal from Mike put the game beyond doubt, we saw the game out with really good possessive play.

GAME 5 – Result – Leggy Mambos 1 – Strays 2

This was the one to make a statement of our intent not to give up our chance to win this league. Mambos were at full strength with the customary England spattering; Spuggy had the mission to stifle Alan Davies, who is the best striker in the country with the rest of the team having to contain Bob Thorpe and then get past the England keeper. Our tactic was to hold and break, an early injury forced Derek off and Paul D on, within minutes of the change Bob Thorpe struck making it one up, if not for unbelievable goalkeeping

from Steve Simpson (who was steadfast in every game) it would have been much worse, to our credit we kept pressing where Mike, going for goal, somehow shook off two players to hit a great equaliser. At the re-start Derek came back on for the feam to revert to its shape, the encounter increased in physicality

with the ref doing well to contain both teams, Strays using the disruptive play to our advantage. With 3 minutes to go and a swathe of substitutes from Mambos, we struck with a 3 man attack and our decoy, Derek pulling two defenders across for Mike to slot the ball to an unmarked Colin on the left to slot it

home. The final two minutes we simply held the ball between us to run down the clock. To Mambo’s credit, they were very sporting to us at the end. 

A very good day at the office, it was particularly pleasing to see Dave Byrne play every game and play very well along with Paul Dexter now fitting into our style of play, MOM went to Spuggy, in every game he controlled our pace from the

back and in the final game against Mambos he was magnificent and should be wearing an England shirt.

We move to second in the league with a lot still to do with five games left, where any of four teams can

mathematically secure the title on 

7th October

The squad was: Steve Simpson, Dave Sparrow, Dave Byrne, Mike Pyle (Captain), Colin

Stringfellow, Paul Dexter, Derek Rowe.

Derek Rowe

Manager

 Over 60s - Pizza League 

 Strays played out the final round of the Pizza League at ROKO in York. With three teams fighting it out for the league title, Strays were in 4th place but harboured hopes of a strong finish to the league season. 

The key was to start better than in previous rounds, and this they did with a positive showing against Scarborough Barons, with some slick passing and confident support play. Graeme Bell scored two of his trademark goals, swivelling on the edge of the box to slide shots wide of the keeper to complete a dominant win. 

This set the side up for a tough encounter with York Vikings, who were very much in the forefront of the competition to win the league, and this was much more evenly contested. York managed to sneak ahead from a free kick, a player striking a low shot with a powerful toe bung past Mike Norris. But the Harrogate spirit prevailed, and quick thinking by Steve Dodsworth at a free kick gave Neil Waite a glorious chance to equalise with a shot placed into the corner of the net. Both teams battled away, but a 1-1 draw was the outcome.

By now Strays were feeling confident and continued their fine form into the match against Bridlington. Graeme again notched a couple of goals to put Harrogate in charge, but Paul Jordan, on his debut, scored a screamer from Graeme's lay-off to cap a comprehensive victory, 3-0. 

Following this was a tense fixture with Rothwell Old Boars, which, although ending 0-0, witnessed a series of end-to-end exchanges. Neither side was able to find the crucial finish, but each team gave it their all. A draw was probably deserved, although Graeme might have felt aggrieved at a couple of tackles that prevented him from getting shots away when well placed to finish, and Steve also found the Rothwell keeper alert when he manufactured a chance from a narrow angle on the edge of the area.

The final match was against Leeds Morley, who had their eyes on clinching the title and punctured the Strays' hopes of an undefeated round of fixtures. A fine strike found the top corner of Mike's goal, and then a nifty turn on the edge of the area allowed a striker to score a second in quick succession. To their credit, Strays refused to let their heads drop and mounted pressure on the Morley goal. Neil scored with a sumptuous, long-range effort and the pressure increased still further. As time slipped by, Terry Tuplin almost levelled the scores at the death with a shot that whistled just over the bar.

Although the final results have yet to be declared, this was a much more consistent set of performances from Harrogate, and we think the team has achieved a 3rd-placed finish on goal difference as a result. Overall the team was competitive in most games, but there's no doubt a greater cutting edge up front helped to turn decent displays into welcome wins.

Squad: Bernie O'Brien, Derek Rowe, Graeme Bell, Mike Norris, Neil Waite, Paul Jordan, Phill Holdsworth, Steve Dodsworth, Terry Tuplin

Bernie

Match Reporter

 Over-55 tournament at Bridlington 

Harrogate Strays found the going tough from the off in this Over 55s competition.. Opening against tournament favourites Scarborough Barons, we were slow and indecisive at the start, and slack defending cost two goals in the first five minutes - one where a striker got ahead of the defence to slot home from close range, the second a simple finish from close in after a midfielder took advantage of non-existent marking. 2-0 down so early, Strays never looked like getting back into it and Scarborough shut up shop.

After such a disappointing opener, we fared better in the next game against the hosts Bridlington Rovers and controlled much of the game. However, we were only able to fashion half-chances in front of goal, and the finishing was rushed and poor, the shooting lacking weight and direction. A 0-0 draw resulted, but there were possible hopes of an upturn in the team's fortunes. 

Sadly things then took a turn for the worse, with keeper Mike Norris forced off with a back strain. Derek Gibson forsook his midfield role to gamely go in goal, and a reshuffle took place as a consequence. 

In a fairly even encounter against Bridlington Town, a single error presented a Town player with a direct run on goal, and he slotted the ball away with ease. Town then assumed control and confidently saw the game out 1-0.

So was the final game a chance for the Strays to redeem themselves? Not really, as the teams' goalless run continued against York Vikings. York opened the scoring with a fierce shot into the top of the net that gave Derek no chance whatsoever, and Harrogate's heads seemed to drop. Despite a couple of chances at the other end, we struggled to keep York at bay, with Derek having to parry several shots. Vikings deservedly scored a second to settle the contest.

No excuses for a set of poor results, but in retrospect the Strays squad struggled in particular to cope with some younger opponents who had an understandable fitness edge that was tough to handle at times. And the loss of a regular keeper was a significant blow, too. Overall, however, the performances simply fell below the standards that have been shown at least in patches in Northern Premier League and Pizza League fixtures.

Thanks nonetheless to Bridlington Rovers for organising the tournament and providing refreshments afterwards in their newly refurbished bar. The event ran smoothly and the spirit throughout was excellent, with no ill will demonstrated by any of the teams, and the referees coped without any fuss.

Squad: Adrian Harrison, Bernie O'Brien, Derek Gibson, Derek Rowe, Lee Brandon, Mark Speight, Mike Norris, Phill Holdsworth, Terry Tuplin

Bernie O'Brien

Match Reporter 

Pizza League 3rd Round, York

Strays Over-60s faced five fixtures in a round robin format, kicking off first against Leeds Morley. It was a tight affair, although Morley probably had the better, more controlled possession. Each side had shots on target, but the keepers stood firm until a loose pass across the pitch directly in front of the Strays' goal allowed a Morley striker in space to slot past a helpless Mike Norris. 1-0 it remained as the Strays continued an unfortunate habit of starting slowly.

Against the league leaders Scarborough, however, an improved performance saw us respond well to that setback and edge another close match thanks to a crisp strike by Graeme Bell from a low cross by Derek Rowe. Again both teams had shots on target, and we were grateful to Mike in goal for a couple of crucial saves. 

Unfortunately our high hopes were dashed in the next match, as York Vikings proved well able to take advantage of two defensive errors to take a 2-0 lead and held on to that advantage with reasonable comfort.

But Bridlington Rovers encountered a totally different Strays side in the next fixture, as a dominant performance resulted in a well earned 4-1 victory. The passing was crisper, the mood more confident, and it helped that Graeme was on fire, nabbing a hat trick and unfortunate not to rack up even more. Steve Dodsworth scored the other goal with a rasping drive into the far corner. And, although conceding a goal late on was disappointing, we created a handful of good chances to make the scoreline even more one-sided. 

We took that buoyant form into the final game against Rothwell and earned a 2-0 win after the same dynamic duo scored the goals. Graeme, leaning back to somehow steer a left-footed shot past the keeper, and Steve also succeeding with a left-footed finish.

Three wins out of five was an improvement on results in previous rounds, so the team moves on to the final round of games on 31 August with a spring in its step!

Squad: Adrian Harrison, Bernie O'Brien, Derek Rowe, Graeme Bell, Mike Norris, Neil Waite, Phill Holdsworth, Steve Dodsworth, Terry Tuplin

Bernie

Over 60s Manager

Over 70s Northern Counties Alliance Cup 

King George V Facility Hessle
 

Fifteen skilled and competitive sides from the region battled it out on the day to secure  the trophy at a superb sporting venue, albeit on grass pitches which, with the heavy rain, became quite a challenge to play on. As last season’s winners, Harrogate Strays were determined to “bring it back home”! 

Competing teams came from Cottingham, Lincoln, Hull, Grimsby, Bradford, Hornsea, Scarborough, Wakefield, Leeds, Doncaster, Hessle and Harrogate. There was also a select over 75’s event.  

Our Group opponents for the Competition were Hornsea Town, Scarborough Barons, Hull, Wakefield Reds, with the winners and runners up going through to the semi-finals.

GAME 1 v Hornsea Town – RESULT 0 – 0 

This was a stern test for the squad for both the playing surface and having never played against this side. Within minutes it completely showed - we were nervous, out of sorts and not getting into a rhythm, but after settling down we began to tick, but so did they. A number of chances fell to both sides, but with neither yielding, the draw felt like a justified result.

GAME 2 v Hull Mixed – RESULT 0 – 2

Following a re-shuffle, this game started cautiously but we were still not in rhythm and off our pace. We suffered a very well taken goal after 5 minutes and just couldn’t pick our game up and with 10 minutes gone we found ourselves two down from another very well executed goal on their part. A change of players and formation resulted in a concerted effort to recover, and we had a number of very close attempts, all to no avail. It felt like it could be an early bath, considering the results needed to advance into the semifinals.

GAME 3 v  Scarborough – RESULT 2 – 0 

We had to give our heads a shake, and this was the game to do it in! And from the off we were at them, relentless in the press. Our opening goal came from an unstoppable shot from Derek, which lifted us to maintain our pressure, allowing Paddy to slot home a second to bring daylight. With a swathe of substitutions, we eased our game and held on.

GAME 4 v Wakefield Reds – RESULT 1 – 1 

Our advance to the semi-finals was now completely in our hands. We knew we had to be resilient against a very good side, but what they gave to us we gave back to them and our confidence grew as this very tight game ebbed and flowed until Derek got the breakthrough to put us one up with less than a minute to go, only for a lack of concentration in midfield and a clash in defence allowed Wakefield to grab a last second equaliser. There was an anxious wait for the league tally, but we made it by a  goal difference of one!

GAME 5 - SEMI FINAL 1 v Grimsby Corinthians – RESULT 1 - 0 

At last, the team were playing to the same hymn sheet and had to be against the competition favourites. In truth, we edged it throughout, with great teamwork in every area and in our patience to strike. Colin secured a well taken goal to put us in the lead and in total command. While they continued to press, we played the ball about to keep them at bay with each player working for each other. This win put us one foot in the final… 

GAME 6 - SEMI FINAL 2  v Bradford City – RESULT 1 - 1 

As a consequence of Bradford drawing their previous game, we knew that a draw in this game would be enough to get us to the final. But Bradford being our nemesis, it was still  a tall order. Bradford are quick and talented but we were on the rise and it showed. We matched them in every area, but with only minutes to go, an errant pass allowed them to slot one past Steve, and we were a goal down. However, unlike earlier, we were having none of it, and constant pressing rewarded us with a free kick in front of goal. With only seconds to go, it was our last chance. In it went from a fierce shot from Derek, and we had done enough to reach the final!

GAME 7 - FINAL v Cottingham Rangers – RESULT 5 - 4 (on penalties)

We knew that this game was going to be a different kettle of fish, as Cottingham have a spattering of England players and very tight organisational play. Having come so far and with one hand on that cup we had everything to play for! In what was a very tight game, with exceptional defending from Dave Sparrow, we kept their main threat at bay, but with limited chances for either side, a draw and penalties ensued. With the exception of Derek putting the ball into Hull city centre (!), the penalties from Colin, Dave, Mike and Paddy were textbook, and along with the heroics of Steve Simpson in goal (saving two of their five penalties) this gave us the win for a second consecutive year. We were all delighted for the squad and the club.

The squad was: Steve Simpson, Dave Sparrow, Charlie Florance, Adrian Harrison, Paddy Keightley, Mike Pyle (Captain), Paul Dexter, Colin Stringfellow and Derek Rowe.

Special thanks to Richard Abbott for refereeing on the day, Mike Norris for his guest appearance in goal for Ruston, Lawrie Coulthard for his guest appearance for Hull Mixed in the over 75’s select game, (along with Steven Fort and Colin Stringfellow). It was a fantastic day for walking football, the Candlelighters Charity and the football family.

Update: This event raised a magnificent £2025! This will be shared between the Alzheimer's Society, The Roux's Army, and our own charity, Candlelighter's, who will benefit to the tune of £750! Thanks to everyone who contributed 

(Also see the picture gallery under Latest News)

Rod Clifton

Secretary

NPL Round 3 - Over 60s
 

It didn't start well when Strays Over 60s began their final round of matches in this year's Northern Premier League at Goals, Leeds.. Not that the performance in the first game against Leeds Morley was particularly poor - we looked comfortable but unthreatening, and a goalless draw looked to be on the cards. Unfortunately Morley didn't read the script; their forward twisted and turned on the edge of the box, and the net bulged from a low drive. Morley then played out the rest of the game cannily to claim a 1-0 win. 

Up next came Bradford City, and we looked flat and played sloppily from the off. A loose pass at the back gave Bradford a simple opener and the mood darkened. Strays briefly looked like fighting back when Derek Rowe spun on the edge of the area and slotted home with his left foot, but all hopes were soon deflated when poor defending resulted in a second for Bradford and then a third soon after. We had no answer and slumped to a hugely disappointing 3-1 defeat. Cue devastation?

But hang on! Against Rothwell Old Boars the passing improved and chances were created. The players seemed more engaged and supported each other. It looked like a different team altogether. It was a close game, then Derek managed to snatch another goal. Strays were on top until a late flurry of pressure from Rothwell, but Harrogate stood firm and grabbed the three points hungrily. 

That left a matchup against Killingworth, a Newcastle-based team destined to win the division. But which Strays' team would turn up for the season finale??? One that played with dogged determination and impressive discipline to keep the strong Geordies at bay and almost clinch a win when Derek hit the post. It was by no means just a "backs against the wall" display. Strays had good possession and some decent chances, too. But against the strongest team in the division, a 0-0 draw felt like a positive result and completed the season on a high.

Many thanks to those who turned out for the 60s in the NPL this season. Those with long memories will recall that we debated whether to even field a team this year as former stalwarts "graduated" to the Over 70s. However, results have generally justified the decision to enter again with a squad that contained less experience than in previous years. We might have expected a degree of inconsistency, and some unfortunate injuries also impacted on the squad, but the team competed well to achieve a top half finish in the division.

Bernie

Match Reporter

Pizza League, Round 2 - Over 60s
 

Strays' travelled across to York for the second round of matches in the newly formed Pizza League. The conditions were pretty brutal for all concerned, as the games played out in high temperatures and no shade for respite. The League format is a round-robin featuring six teams in a 7-a-side competition, so each team plays a total of five games.

Up first for the Strays were Rothwell Old Boars, and it was a game of few real chances. Rothwell managed to open the scoring with a close-range drive after a right-wing cross, and the Strays never looked like snatching an equaliser. A 1-0 defeat was not an ideal start. 

But we made amends in the next game against Leeds Morley, putting in a much stronger display and deservedly notching a winning goal when Bernie O'Brien fired in a shot from the left that the keeper could only parry, and Steve Dodsworth followed up to crash the ball home.

So spirits were raised as the Strays took on an in-form Scarborough Barons. Loose marking allowed Scarborough to open the scoring with a long-range shot that fizzed into the bottom corner of Mike Norris's net. But the Strays battled away and equalised when Bernie played a one-two with Neil and found himself through on goal to side foot the ball wide of the keeper. It remained an even contest right until the end, only for Scarborough to grab a winner when a gap opened up in the midfield and another long-range shot beat Mike in the bottom corner.

Against York Vikings, we again conceded first, when outnumbered at the back, and the ball was stabbed into goal from the edge of the box. Undeterred, Strays stuck to our guns and managed to equalise, when Neil again set up Bernie for a low first-time finish that sneaked beneath the keeper. Honours even! 

Which left Bridlington Rovers to continue the pattern of the day by scoring first, even though we probably had the bulk of the pressure going forward. Eventually we levelled the game when Bernie hit a firm shot that the keeper failed to hold and allowed to slip through his fingers into the net. Another draw resulted.

There's no doubt the conditions saw the quality of the matches drop off as players tired, but credit to everyone for putting in the effort on such a hot afternoon. And commiserations to Adrian Harrison for picking up another injury in the service of the club!

The squad was: Adrian Harrison, Bernie O'Brien, Debbie Naylor, Lee Brendan, Mike Norris, Neil Waite, Phill Holdsworth, Steve Dodsworth, Terry Tuplin

Bernie

Match Reporter

NPL, Round 2 - Over 60s
 

Strays Over-60s were in action against Rothwell Old Boars, Killingworth and ROB Yellow. The threat of rain never materialised, so the matches took place in fairly mild conditions.

Strays began against Rothwell and scored a slightly fortuitous opener when Neil Waite's shot took a wicked deflection to wrongfoot the keeper. That good fortune seemed to spur us on and other goals were to follow, both from the right foot of Derek Rowe, one of them a crisply struck drive. The lead was rarely challenged, although Rothwell had more possession towards the end of the second half, and the Strays held on tightly to confirm a 3-0 victory. The main negative from the game was the retirement through injury of Keith Nesbitt.

Killingworth were a different kettle of fish, confident and slick in their movement and possession. That said, their first goal was a fluke, as a forward closed down Phill Holdsworth and deflected a pass unwittingly inside Mike Norris's near post. Out of nothing Killingworth had a grip on the game and were relentless thereafter. A second goal followed after a neat turn on the edge of the box, but Strays rallied a little in the second half, with a series of shots and free kicks pinning Killingworth back. But Killingworth sealed the win from a free kick, a shot bent around the wall into the bottom corner to end the contest. No doubt about it - Killingworth lived up to their tag as favourites to win Division 2.

To their credit, Harrogate heads did not drop, and we began confidently against ROB Yellow. Neil Waite soon opened the scoring to give the Strays a deserved lead, but ROB Yellow pegged it back to 1-1 after a challenge on the right resulted in the ball flashing across the box and the equaliser was tucked in. Neil restored the lead with a firm strike after a lay-off from a free kick, but again ROB hit back with an equaliser to keep the match on tenterhooks. But the Strays stepped on the gas and took advantage of lax marking to take the lead for a third time, Bernie O'Brien's low shot from the right eluding the keeper. The result was then put to bed after Bernie dinked a pass to Derek, who swivelled on the edge of the box to volley a low shot into goal. A 4-2 victory after a very open game was secured.

Overall this was a good set of results, and everyone contributed with committed and disciplined performances. A few of the squad are pretty new to this level of competition, but it was good to see the team working hard to support each other. Clinical finishing made all the difference, but the quality of some of the football was remarked upon by one of the referees, too. A good day at the office.

Squad: Bernie O'Brien, Debbie Naylor, Derek Rowe, Jo Bower, Keith Nesbitt, Mike Norris, Neil Waite, Phill Holdsworth, Terry Tuplin

Bernie O'Brien

Manager Over 60s

Friendly - Over 65s v Leeds Men's Irish Club

Strays Over-65s travelled with a small squad as a result of various absences, and with two players making their debuts at this age level. Given the wind and rain outside it was a relief to play in an indoor facility, with three games back-to-back against opponents who were mostly younger.

Game one was a tight affair. Leeds Irish had the better of things; their neat interplay and good possession quite evident, although they were unable to find a way through a determined Strays' defence until early in the second half, when one moment of loose concentration allowed them to get a clear shot and take the lead. Despite their best efforts, the Strays couldn't find an equaliser and fell to a 1-0 defeat.

In the second game, we put in a much improved performance, with more shots on goal and a more measured display. The referee later argued this was because the team slowed things down and was more accurate in its passing and shooting, which was a fair assessment. Bernie O'Brien opened the scoring with a low shot placed into the left corner of the goal. Graeme Bell notched a second soon afterwards to boost the confidence levels. Bernie then scored from a penalty after running offences by Leeds Irish, and Graeme followed up with a short on the turn. A 4-0 win was quite a turnaround but a fair reward for steady, sensible football.

By the third game, the age difference may have been a factor in a display where Strays were on the back foot throughout, despite a couple of good shots well saved by the home keeper. Sloppy defending allowed Leeds to take the lead, and a goal in the second half sealed the victory, when midfield cover went missing and allowed a player to stroll forward and pick his spot. 2-0 to the hosts.

In the circumstances, there were plenty of positives for Harrogate Strays. The referee commented on the quality of some of our play against a talented set of opponents. And special kudos go to Charlie Florance and Debbie Naylor for acquitting themselves well in their first appearances for the 65s.

Many thanks to Leeds Men's Irish Club for hosting the friendly. And a special mention to the referee for controlling the games positively and consistently, keeping everyone on the straight and narrow, which contributed to a non-fractious set of games.

Bernie O'Brien

WFA NATIONAL CUP – ROUND 2

OVER 70s v MATLOCK ARC 

We Play Football York 

The WFA National Cup (much like the FA Cup) is a prestigious tournament that most walking football clubs wish to be involved in, and Harrogate Strays are no exception. This penultimate tie was to decide the last 12 teams to go to the WFA Regional rounds, so a lot was at stake for Strays to advance. Unfortunately, as the fixture had to be re-arranged, the team lost two key players in Paddy (midfield) and Colin (striker) that, along with other players out injured left us with no choice but to play with the minimum of 6 players within the WFA deadline.

Our competitors were clearly going to be a challenge, fielding 3 WFA over 70’s England players and with a very good track record, we had our work cut out, but as a team we were confident we would give them enough to think about and that the outcome was not a fait accompli.

Right from the kick off Matlock settled into a shape and rhythm with some very good possessive play which we initially found difficult to counter. As the game settled down, we began to build in confidence, as Matlock had little or no penetration until a wayward pass was intercepted by a Matlock player to strike the opening goal on 6 minutes. This was followed three minutes later by a very well struck goal to get them their second. Despite the early setbacks the Strays sprung into life playing calm controlled passing football. A great pass out from Steve found Derek who had to beat two Matlock players to give him the time to advance on goal to smash it past the keeper, thereby reducing the deficit to 1-2, with a clear signal we were far from out of this tie, ending the half on top of play. 

At the resumption, yet again we started off in the doldrums with little urgency, wayward passing, out of shape and with poor communication, giving Matlock hope that we were spent. Inevitably disaster struck 10 minutes in, when another wayward pass out of goal gifted Matlock another chance to increase the lead to 1-3 which they duly took. Although this drained our spirits, no  player in this Strays team gives up and finds a way to dig deeper. We got our shape back, controlled the ball and pressed in every area of the pitch. A switch between Derek and Charlie opened up an opportunity for Derek to find the net for his second with an unstoppable strike to reduce the deficit to 2-3, lifting our hopes with only 3 minutes to go.

With the Strays on the ascendency, Matlock were getting pinned back across the pitch. Our strike rate increased, and our pressure was mounting by disrupting all passages of play, and a number of chances began to open up for the Strays where the Matlock team knew they were in a fight. It felt  like a drew was coming, but, as fate played its hand, a Matlock lob out of midfield sailing way over the heads of both Spuggy and Mike (with both, along with Steve in goal, rooted to the spot awaiting the ref’s whistle), but the whistle never came, allowing Matlock to grab a fourth killer goal to finish the game.

Every Harrogate Strays player gave it their best shot; we did all we could with the players we had and were so close to taking it to penalties. Although it felt like a very heavy defeat, it was a great game of Walking Football by both sides, with minimum violations and played in great competitive spirit, so much so that Matlock lined up at the end to applaud the Strays off the pitch for our endeavours.

We wish Matlock ARC every success in the regional finals and onwards. To our credit it felt like we played a team that already had one hand on this cup; they will take some beating! 

The squad today was: Steve Simpson, Dave (Spuggy) Sparrow, Charlie Florance, Dave Byrne,  Mike Pyle (Captain) and Derek Rowe.

Rod Clifton

Secretary

Northern Counties Alliance 70’s Walking Football League

Following our April setbacks, the squad travelled to Wakefield missing Adrian but gaining a new signing in a seasoned WF defender, Dave (Spuggy) Sparrow and with the welcome return of two key players in Mike Pyle and Charlie Florance. 

This time around the squad faced Leggy Mambos, Wakefield Purple, Bradford City, Doncaster and Leeds Walking Football, with the team rested being Wakefield Reds. 

GAME 1 - First up were Leggy Mambos

Following Mambos enforced rest last time out they were itching to go. For the first game of the day this was a stern test for the squad, but we were up for it. From the off we were resilient against a very physical side, but what they gave to us we gave back to them and through our press a well struck shot from Mike Pyle deflected off a Mambos player into the net to put us into a well-deserved lead. Their star striker then managed to squeeze an equaliser past Steve to set up a tough second half. We began as we left off, pressing in every area to pin them back, resulting in a second goal from Paddy, only for them to almost immediately hit back with a speculative drive, that Steve could do nothing about, inching into the bottom corner. Previously our heads would have gone down, but we had none of that! We pushed harder and harder with a number of shots that couldn’t break the deadlock, and in the end they knew they had been in a game and were grateful for the whistle, whilst for us our win against them is inching closer and will come. 

Result - Leggy Mambos 2 Strays 2

GAME 2 - Next up were Wakefield Wanderers Purples 

So the theme from game 1 continued, We were well organised, playing for each other, heads up and calm, but in truth this felt like a tougher test than against Mambos from a very well organised and resilient Wakefield. In truth, they matched us, and it took all of our efforts to stay in the game with Dave Byrne and Charlie playing particularly well. However, we were being driven off the pace and unable to play our game the way we intended. Throughout the match neither side had that many chances and when they came, they added little value. The second half required  re-organisation to try to get the win. We pushed hard, and from what seemed an impossible angle, Derek smashed the ball home with only seconds to spare. We were relieved to get this win as a springboard for the day. 

Result - Wakefield Wanderers Purples 0 Strays 1

GAME 3 - Our next opponents, Bradford City. 

What has become very clear in this league is that we are facing some very physical sides. This game was a bruising encounter, the foul count climbing with neither side giving any quarter. Throughout both halves they tactically disturbed our flow of play to their advantage, but as the game wore on we were getting on top. A second half change brought Derek on in an attempt to break the deadlock, but their keeper was up for it. Like last time out, with only a minute to go a wayward pass across goal was intercepted by their striker to snatch the win. This was a huge disappointment and a stark reminder to all the players that this league demands 100% concentration to the end. 

Result - Bradford City 1  Strays 0.

GAME 4 - Our penultimate opponents, Doncaster Rovers

A change in formation, to rest our defence following three very bruising encounters, was needed and to rescue our day a complete change in playing formation had to be put in place. Switching to a 1-3-1 we faced slightly easier, but worthy opponents in Doncaster, and so it came resulting in an early goal from Colin, only for them to snatch a well taken goal to equalise; Derek stepping up to put us back in the lead at half time. At the restart, what was the best passage of play from Strays on the day found Paddy on the left, having ghosted past Colin, to put us 3-1 up. We finished the game with another from Colin and the final strike from Derek to boost our goal difference and morale for the next game. 

Result – Doncaster Rovers 1 Strays 5

Game 5 - The final game brought us Leeds Walking Football 

Our chance to increase our points tally on the day, and with Mambos facing Bradford, wrested in this final game against a very well organised Leeds. Anything other than a final win was a backward step. Despite us starting brightly, each team was cancelling the other out in all positions. In reverting to our previous formation, the change put us back in the driving seat. The opening goal came from Derek, with an unstoppable strike, followed by another just on half time. At the resumption, we absolutely peppered their goal, Colin grabbing another, when he was free on the left to slot home a third, and with little time left for Leeds to recover, Derek smacked home his hat trick and the fourth goal of the game, for a well-deserved win to end the day. 

Result - Leeds Walking Football 0 Strays 4

Three wins, one defeat and a draw was a great advancement on last time out and with Mike and Charlie back, and each player in the squad playing their part, this has enabled us to move up to second place in the league, a position we have to maintain to keep pressure on Leggy Mambos and those below us. The league debut for Dave “Spuggy” Sparrow was magnificent; he slotted into the team perfectly, playing every game and is a terrific addition to the squad in our quest for honours in this league and the National Cup this season. 

The squad was: Steve Simpson, Dave Sparrow, Charlie Florance, Dave Byrne, Paddy Keightley, Mike Pyle (Captain), Colin Stringfellow and Derek Rowe.

Rod Clifton

Secretary

Harrogate Strays Walking Football Club 

Over 60s Pizza League - Match day 1

The inaugural round of this competition took place at Play Football in York. The league consists of six walking football teams of 7-a-side in a round robin tournament. 7-a-side is a challenge in itself, as we aren't well versed in that set-up, but the pitches are large enough to cater for the extra bodies. The matches were contested in cool, windy conditions.

After a somewhat slow and hesitant start,  the Strays improved enough to show spells of good football as the day wore on. 

The first game against Rothwell Old Boars was a tight affair, in which Rothwell managed more shots at goal, but there weren't too many threatening attacks from either side as the game petered out into a 0-0 draw.

 In our second game, we were still shot shy up front, whereas the opposition, Leeds Morley, looked sharper and bagged two goals to notch a convincing 2-0 victory. 

Game three against a strong Scarborough Barons side witnessed a sudden change in the mood of the Strays, who twice took the lead through Bernie O'Brien and Neil Waite. However a couple of soft goal allowed Scarborough to equalise, with 2-2 the final score. 

Against the hosts, York Vikings, the Strays played a controlled game after taking the lead with a deflected shot by Neil and frustrated the Vikings by holding on to the clean sheet and bagging their first win of the day, 1-0. Unfortunately, in their final game against Bridlington Rovers Harrogate failed to maintain our improved form and slipped to a 1-0 defeat in another evenly contested game.

Although we might have wished for a slightly better set of results, the team's performances were sufficiently competitive to give us hope of improvement in the next rounds of the league, especially as we become more familiar with the league's format. 

The squad was: Bernie O'Brien, Debbie Naylor, Derek Rowe, Jo Bower, Lee Brendan, Mike Norris, Neil Waite, and Terry Tuplin

Bernie O'Brien

60s Manager