Over 60's NPL 1st Round

 The NPL kicked off on 12th April 2026 at Leeds Goals, with the 60s team featuring several new faces in the squad. Unfortunately, there was a last-minute withdrawal due to injury, as Graeme Bell was unable to play. Thanks go to Tom Robinson for stepping in at short notice. The squad was:

M Norris
T Robinson
B O’Brien
S Williams
P Jordan
R Sullivan
P Holdsworth
N Waite
T Tuplin

 All matches were played as straight 15-minute games. Due to a number of team withdrawals, the two leagues were merged into a single division.

 Match 1 – Rothwell Old Boars
The opening game saw a balanced contest, with both sides exchanging attacks and defending well. The Strays were awarded a free kick which struck the post and rebounded out into the penalty area. Sully reacted quickest and slotted the ball home to make it 1–0.
The game continued end-to-end, but the Strays held firm to secure the win—a great start for the new squad. 

Match 2 – Leeds Morley
The team was rotated slightly to ensure everyone got some minutes. Morley took the lead following some poor defending. However, the Strays responded well, with Tom setting up Bernie for the equaliser (1–1).
With only minutes remaining, Paul delivered a great pass to Tom, who scored the winner, making it 2–1.
A perfect start—two wins from two. 

Match 3 – Easingwold
This was an evenly contested game. However, the Strays switched off momentarily, allowing an Easingwold striker to score unchallenged from the edge of the box (0–1).
The team struggled to recover, and Easingwold controlled the game well by keeping possession.
The match ended in defeat. The question now was—could the Strays bounce back?

Match 4 – Manchester Old Boys
Facing an unfamiliar opponent, it quickly became clear that Manchester Old Boys were a well-drilled side who had played together for some time. The Strays struggled to cope with their fluid play and soon found themselves 0–2 down.
After a brief lull, three goals in quick succession put the game beyond reach. The Strays were outclassed, with the final score 0–5.
It was evident that confidence had not recovered from the previous loss. 

Match 5 – Leeds Titans
The effects of the previous two defeats were still apparent. Titans scored three early goals and then controlled the game by keeping possession.
A free kick should have been awarded to the Strays for a back pass, but the referee missed the incident, later apologising. Unfortunately, this was one of the few notable moments for the Strays.
The game ended 0–3.

Summary
A bright start quickly faded for the Strays after two strong opening wins. The defeat to Easingwold proved to be the turning point, with confidence taking a hit that the team couldn’t recover from. Despite full effort from the squad, three tough losses followed against well-organised opposition. Plenty of positives to build on—but lessons learned the hard way. 

 Overview  

After 2 hard years of building a squad to reach the required standard to enter the Greater Manchester Walking Football League (GMWFL) in order to be able to compete against what are arguably the best walking football teams in the country we were selected to play in the lowest tier in Division 4.    The division comprises 5 new teams to the league, Harrogate Strays, Fleetwood Town, Moston Brook, Wakefield Wanderer’s and Curzon Ashton. Calling upon all of us to committing to travel greater distances in our determination to make the most of it from this hotbed of walking football talent, superb facilities, top class organisation and fantastic referees. At this first outing it just felt that we had at long last arrived at where we want to be.      

Strays 2 V 0 Fleetwood Town– What a baptism, in blizzard and freezing conditions we set about our task in controlling the play from the off, with calm, neat possession using the ever lively Tony Breslin as the outlet to set the tone early and so the pressure counted, the press making a Fleetwod player enter the box to get us an early penalty, calmly despatched by Paddy, 1-0, neat passages of play followed with a clinical pass from Breslin to Derek Rowe who left the keeper with no chance to increase our lead. Both teams played well in difficult circumstances with Strays starting the campaign with a 2-0 win, we were off the mark.  

Strays 0 v 0 Moston Brook– This was Mostons opener and our second straight off, it showed immediately, our players were feeling the conditions and they were a very dogged outfit with an outstanding keeper, we fought and fought to get the opening goal and they fought back, pegging us in our half and lively, so with 4 minutes to go Derek Rowe changed the tactical formation to a 1-1- 3 -1 to ebb the flow of attacks and to increase our press, despite  our attempts it ended honours even and a learning for the Strays that this was what to expect.  Strays 1 v Curzon Ashton– With Curzon already on 2 wins against our win and a draw Derek Rowe pulled out the EUFA B game plan, this team were a very, very well organised side, calling for a change in our formation to 1-2-2-1 putting Tony Breslin as the threat and Dave Sparrow as the anchor and crowding the passage of play through the middle with Rowe and Keightly preventing passages of play to get the ball forward, after a number of close calls we settled, slowed the pace and took the sting out of the pace. A lapse in concentration from a midfield incident allowed Strays to break with a fierce Breslin shot falling off the keeper to the feet of Paddy to slot home our opener. A further change in formation by Rowe bringing on Florance packed the middle with Sparrow acting as sweeper, that said Rogers was called upon making an unbelievable save to keep us in the lead, slowing game down even further Strays took command to frustrate and end the game with a deserved win  

Stray 1 V 0 Wakefield Wanderers - Sitting on 2 wins and a draw with Wakefield having just seen off Moston with a close win and knowing Wakefield capabilities as our opponents from the NCAL we knew this was going to be one ding dong of a game against a great set of footballers and so it proved. The sides battled it out and were, without doubt equals with Strays edging  the attacking play and overall movement which allowed us to find our breakthrough from a neat passage of play by Stringfellow to Breslin who made sure of finding the back of the net to put us in the driving seat, a tactical change by Derek Rowe pulling off Stringfellow to put Rowe as a double up with Florance in the middle to break up any further attacking play from Wakefield saw us grind out the result we needed.  

Overall, it was an excellent afternoon for Harrogate Strays Over 70s with 3 wins, a draw and no goals conceded, this was marked by teamwork, fitness, and sportsmanship. The results reflected a strong collective performance and highlighted that the group never say die attitude prevailed, the GMWFL is high level  and our preparation for it paid off, we go again on the 22ndApril in our belief that progress will come a game at a time, for now we sit proudly top of Division 4 but it will be a hard task to remain their as these teams we face are all very capable, but every player in our squad will be ready for that challenge 

The Strays squad today was – Paul Rogers (GK), David Sparrow (.C), Paddy Keightley, Derek Rowe, Tony Breslin, Colin Stringfellow and Charlie Florance 

Overview

The Strays were invited to take the journey from Harrogate to play at Goals in

Middlesbrough against a select over 70’s side from Newcastle, a fixture organised by

Dave Sparrow, this was a token of the squads appreciation towards our travelling

Players, Dave Sparrow, John Rhodes and Tony Breslin to demonstrate to them and

those who may doubt it, that we are a tight knit squad of players that support each

other.

As everyone knows Newcastle is a hot bed of footballing talent, good players, tough

opponents, with a will to win, the scene was set on our arrival at the ground where

we were warmly greeted and made very welcome, the Newcastle manager

representing the WFA Norther Region meant we were in for a great set of games. 

Game 1 set the tone early, with Harrogate edging a closely fought contest 2–1. The

Strays moved the ball patiently and were rewarded with two wellworked goals from

Tony Breslin in each half, while Newcastle remained competitive throughout and

pulled one back to ensure a tense finale. A re-arranged Strays team shape by Derek

Rowe kept the Strays calm, defending well with controlled possession to see the

Strays safely close out the opener.

Games 2 and 3 were very tight tactical affairs, both finishing 0–0. Chances were

limited as both sides focused on shape and discipline, with goalkeepers and

defenders on top form. Harrogate were particularly solid at the back, denying

Newcastle space and showing good communication, while still creating a few

halfchances that narrowly went begging.

Game 4 left the Strays save their most impressive performance, this is a theme of

the Strays, fitness and concentration remaining high to the end, Strays produced a

confident display to secure a 4–1 victory. Slick passing, intelligent movement, and

clinical finishing from Breslin (2), Paddy and Mike proved too much for Newcastle, as

the Strays took control early and never looked back. Despite Newcastle’s efforts and

a deserved goal, the Strays maintained their composure to see out an emphatic win.

Overall, it was an excellent afternoon for Harrogate Strays Over 70s, marked by

teamwork, fitness, and sportsmanship. The results reflected a strong collective

performance and highlighted the club’s continued progress at this high level in

preparation of the challenges ahead in the GMWFL, which is arguably the strongest

set players in England.

The Strays squad today was – Mike Norris (GK), David Sparrow, Mike Pyle (C),

Paddy Keightley, Derek Rowe, Tony Breslin, Mark Speight

Harrogate Strays played their final three games of the season at Wakefield Soccer Centre. Representing the team on the day were Mike Norris, Mark Speight, Mark Sneddon, Paul Joran, Derek Rowe and Mike Pyle.

Result: Won 2–1

Strays started brightly, taking the game to Bradford City and creating several good chances. Despite this early pressure, Bradford took the lead with a goal very much against the run of play.

In the second half, Strays continued to push forward and were rewarded when Mark Speight finished off a well-worked move to bring the game level. Soon after, Derek Rowe struck a powerful shot to put Strays ahead. The team managed the remainder of the game well and ran out comfortable and deserved winners.

Result: Lost 3–2

This was a closely contested match in which Strays took control early on. Goals from Paul Joran and Mark Speight gave Strays a 2–0 lead at half-time.

Wakefield came back strongly after the break and Strays were unable to hold on, despite determined defending and a couple of excellent saves from Mike Norris. Two of Wakefield’s goals came from unfortunate deflections, while the winner arrived with virtually the last kick of the game — a tough result to take.

Result: Lost 2–1

Leeds Titans dominated the first half and established a 2–0 lead. After the break, Strays changed formation and showed greater urgency, gradually building momentum and putting the Titans defence under pressure.

The improvement paid off when Mark Speight scored following a flowing passing move. Strays continued to press for an equaliser and created further opportunities, but Titans held on to secure the victory.

These results confirmed that Strays finished 8th out of 9 teams in the league. Competing with a 65+ squad in a 60+ league has proved challenging, but the team rarely felt outclassed. Many of the nine defeats in 16 matches were by narrow margins — typified by Sunday’s close losses to Wakefield (3–2) and Titans (2–1), who finished 2nd and 3rd in the league respectively.

The next opportunity for Strays comes on 26 April, when the same teams meet again to compete for the Cup and Shield, before the summer break begins. ⚽

With new managers Terry Tuplin and Neil Waite at the helm, Harrogate Strays Over-60s began their season with a friendly away at Skipton Walking Football.

Skipton organised two 20-minute matches played in a 6-a-side format.

Game 1

A misplaced pass early on allowed Skipton to take the lead, forcing the Strays to close down more and work harder defensively. Unfortunately, another lapse in concentration enabled Skipton to double their advantage.

Player-manager Neil Waite came closest to scoring for the Strays with a long-range effort that struck the outside of the post, with the Skipton goalkeeper well beaten.

Final Score: 0–2

Game 2

Player-manager Terry Tuplin returned to the side after officiating duties in the first game. However, another momentary lapse allowed Skipton to open the scoring once again.

The setback seemed to spur the Strays on, with improved effort, sharper communication, and better organisation. Despite the improvement, a short pass was intercepted and Skipton capitalised to score their second goal.

Final Score: 0–2

Considering this group has not yet played much competitive football together, every player contributed positively. The team is beginning to build an understanding and will undoubtedly improve with more time and matches together.

Thanks go to Skipton Walking Football for their excellent hospitality — particularly the much-appreciated pie and peas after the game.

Todays Squad were 

Chris Davis, Derek Gibson, Jo Bower, Mark Sneddon, Mike Norris, Neil Waite, Steve Williams, Tom Robinson & Terry Tuplin

Harrogate Strays Over-60s will be back in action on 20 March 2026, travelling to Bradford for a friendly against Bradford City Walking Football.

Overview

Today was the third session of the 2026 NCLA Over 70’s League attended by 6

teams from the regions, namely Bradford City, Harrogate Strays, Leeds, Leggy

Mambos, Wakefield Purples and Wakefield Reds. The intent of the Strays being not

to let slip our great start to the season to maintain top spot and so it proved.

Positively, it's great to report again that at the session’s conclusion the Strays remain

proudly top of the League with 40 Points from 13 wins, a draw and a loss, 43 for with

8 against and a GD of +35, this team continues to make its mark in a positive way

Game 1 – Strays 2 – 0 Wakefield Reds

We expected and received a hard game from the Reds, after a slow start the

opening goal came from a slick cross pass from Rhodes to Breslin who unleashed a

fierce shot to open our account, at the re-start the Reds pressed bringing Rogers into

action, all safely dealt with, in the second half Strays received a penalty in which

Paddy despatched. Calm possession ending the game.

Game 2 – Strays 2 – 1 Leggy Mambos

This result reflected our opening game in game 1, however the rhythm of this game

was entirely different where Derek Rowe put out a shape to all out attack, playing 1-

1-3, the players were off at pace the first goal coming from Breslin only for Mambos

to snatch an equaliser to lift them, Strays dealt with the setback with a very good

strike from Rhodes for the second, stiff defending with Rogers in goal remaining

resolute and Pyle dominating the midfield the team ended the game impressively.

Game 3 – Strays 3 – 0 Wakefield Purple

Considering the final 2 games Rowe came off with Keightley replacing and for Derek

Rowe to assess what was needed to secure a 5 game win this game gave the Strays

an opportunity to play a different style. Wakefield tried hard to resist the Strays

pressure but with 2 goals in quick succession from Breslin and a penalty converted

by Paddy the Strays did what they needed to do to get the result

Game 4 – Strays 2 – 1 Bradford

As ever this fixture was expected to be a right ding dong against our nemesis in

Bradford City but today was not their day, Strays were at them from the off, a quick

settling goal from Breslin set the scene to go in at 1 up at the break, with another

snatched effort from Breslin to make it 2 up Bradford pressed and got reward in

pulling one back, Derek Rowe changed the formation to a 1-2-2 with David Yates

holding the defensive line and Paul Rogers stopping anything that came at him

Bradford were stifled, Strays playing the ball around in possession to see the game

out, this was a great win

Game 5 – Strays 2 – 1 Leeds

For the final game and in order to remain league leaders, after 4 hard games we had

to maintain our form, from the off it was clear that this was a side that had new faces,

they were very, very well organised and giving it a go, going in at the break we were

equal, a re-shape by Derek Rowe to a 1-1-3 was needed to break the Leeds

midfield and so it came, a strike from Breslin with astonishing accuracy broke the

deadlock followed by very slick Strays interplay prising them open again with

interplay from Rowe to Breslin for him to deftly place his second. At that Leeds came

back at us, snatching a great goal past our normally tight defence and Paul Rogers

to give them some hope, a further tactical change from Derek Rowe to a 1-3-1

completely shut up shop ending the game with calmness and spirit, a great game by

both sides

Manager Reaction

STRAY’s’ Manager Derek Rowe: “It’s clear that this Strays Team is going from

strength to strength, the energy, tactical formations and skill set is very effective and

gives the squad the bounce it needs and as the team to beat, making ever game

very competitive

Conclusion

Continuing our progression with 5 hard earned wins from 5 games is a result of high

team morale. We go again with a friendly V Newcastle on 11 th March and an exciting

debut to look forward to in the GMWFL 25 th March

The Strays squad today was – Paul Rogers (GK), David Yates, Mike Pyle (C), Paddy

Keightley, Derek Rowe, John Rhodes, Tony Breslin

 Strays 65's played Scarborough Barons at York on 12 Feb - 4 x15  minute 7-aside games.
A brief report follows 

Game 1  

Mike and Graeme are subs.

A comfortable 2-0 win with goals from Paul Jordan and Mark Speight. Plenty of chances created and we should have scored more.

Game 2-

Mike and Derek Rowe are subs.

Amazing sequence of scoring. Boro' go 2 up in the first minute with 2 long range shots. Immediate response from Graeme  for 2-2. Boro regain the lead before Strays take control and finish 5-3 up with another goal for Graeme, one for Chris (making a very positive debut as our underage player),  and another one for Mark.

Game 3 -

Mark and Tom subs.

Strays took command as Boro' tired. Hat trick from Graeme, 2 from Derek Rowe and 2 from Mike, Chances a plenty! Solid at the back

Game 4 -

Having scored 2 Hat tricks warming up after his return from injury Graeme was subbed to stop him from overdoing it. Derek Gibson,having kept things tight as our main defender, was also rested.

Another comfortable win (4-0) with plenty of possession and good chances created. Goals from Mark,Derek Rowe,Mike and Tom.

So overall, 18 -3. All 3 Boro' goals came in one mad rush in game 2. Mike kept a clean sheet in the other 3 games .

The squad for the day was:

Mike Norris, Derek Gibson, Mark Speight, Paul Jordan, Chris Davis, Tom Robinson Derek Rowe, Graeme Bell and Mike Pyle

• Next over 65's Friendly, 25th February 2026 v Retro Rovers, Doncaster

Overview  
Tue 3rd Feb was the second session of the 2026 NCLA Over 70’s League attended by 6 teams from the regions, namely Bradford City, Doncaster Dynamos, Harrogate Strays, Leeds, Leggy Mambos and Wakefield Reds. The Strays, having been busy in the January Transfer Window fielding 3 new players were in no mood to surrender the excellent start to the season and were determined to maintain top spot and so it proved.  

Positively, it's great to report again that at the session’s conclusion the Strays remain  proudly top of the League with 25 Points from 8 wins, a draw and a loss, 32 for with 5 against and a GD of 27, this team, with it’ new additions, is making its mark, long may this form continue      

Game 1 – Strays 5  –  0 Wakefield Reds

We expected a hard game from the Reds, they are a very good passing side that stay resolute, that said from the off the Strays team clicked, the opening goal came from a slick cross pass from Breslin to Rhodes who unleashed a fierce shot to open our account to be quickly followed by a great opener from Breslin at the edge of the box followed by another from Rhodes before half time, at the re-start the Reds pressed bringing Rogers into action, such is the team mix that confidence was up, as the game wore on the Strays got stronger pressing hard across all areas of attack resulting in a further brace from Breslin to end the game with a resounding win.     

Game 1 – Strays 6 – 0 Leeds

This result reflected our opening game in session 01,  however the rhythm of this game was entirely different where Derek Rowe put out a shape to an all out attack playing 1-1 - 3, the players were off at pace with an unstoppable uptick in play resulting in a goal fest, on his debut Tony Breslin banged in 5 with Rhodes getting the 6th, with Rogers in goal remaining resolute and Pyle dominating the midfield the team were impressive and unfortunately Leeds were on the receiving end of the Strays on form. 

   
Game 3 – Strays 3 – 0 Doncaster

Considering the final 2 games Pyle came off to rest with Keightley replacing, in order for Derek Rowe to assess the 5 game performance of the new players the three of Yates in defence, Rhodes on the Left, Breslin up front with Rowe at attacking midfield this game gave the opportunity to play a different style. Doncaster proved to be a very capable side, it was clear they had also added new players, the opening goal coming from Breslin through dogged determination after half time Breslin increased his tally and a lovely worked passage of play allowed Rowe to get the third, the defence with Yates and Rogers in goal were allowing nothing to pass to maintain zero against at this stage of the day  

Game 4 – Strays  0 – 1 Bradford 

As in the opening session this fixture ended up a right ding dong against our nemesis in Bradford City, and yet again so it proved, they snatched an early lead from a direct free kick where Rogers was unsighted and unusually a gap appeared past Pyle and Yates, so we knew from that point we had to up our game. They are a very difficult side to overcome and despite our energy and dominance throughout all phases of the game, especially from Breslin who put enormous energy into breaking them down, including hitting the post twice, the bar once and a goalkeeper that I swear has 4 arms that no matter what we did we could not break them down, the end result being our first defeat in the league, well done to Bradford but we have learnt from that for next time out! 

   
Game 5 – Strays 1 – 0 Leggy Mambos

For the final game and to save our day to remain league leaders we had to recover in order to regain our momentum, but every game against Mambos is very, very tough, they are a very good Walking Football side with very capable players but so are the Strays. With David Yates, Tony Breslin and John Rhodes, having played all 5 games it was a tall ask but we are a team ably supported by Paul Rogers in Goal, Mike Pyle in midfield and Derek Rowe and Paddy Keightley as the substituting holding or attacking midfield to enable us to give it all we had. From the off Breslin tested the Mambos keeper numerously, the breakthrough coming just before half time with a wicked shot that put us in front, a stiffening up at half time saw Derek Rowe replace Paddy in midfield to revert to a 1-3-1 to hold their attacking threat where the team were then able to play down the clock through good possession resulting in a consecutive win against Mambos. 

   
Manager Reaction

STRAY’s’ Manager Derek Rowe: “It’s clear the January signing for the Strays brought about an energy and skill set that has improved the team measurably, that said we are a group of players that need the attributes of each other where every player of our squad will be needed for what is a very demanding season, winning games like we are has lifted team spirit and we are matching the two strongest sides in this league so this is the progress we have been seeking, but our consistency remains key 

Conclusion  
Continuing our progression with hard earned wins is a result of high team morale, whilst strengthening the side to cope with the season is in front of us. We go again in the NCLAL on 3rdMarch, a friendly V Newcastle on 11thMarch with an exciting debut to look forward to in the GMWFL 25thMarch 

   
The Strays squad today was – Paul Rogers (GK), David Yates, Mike Pyle (C), Paddy Keightley, Derek Rowe, John Rhodes, Tony Breslin 

Overview

The start of the 2026 NCLA Over 70’s got underway with 7 teams from the region entering the league, namely Bradford City, Doncaster Dynamos, Harrogate Strays, Leeds, Leggy Mambos, Wakefield Reds and Wakefield Purples. All very tough competition, with last season’s title winners deservedly being Leggy Mambos, the Strays intent for 2026 was to improve further, having lost out on runners up in 2025 by a single point. New playing rules, introduced for 2026, having a stringent game changing effect, the penalty count will certainly increase for all teams this season.

Game 1: Strays 6 – 0 Leeds
The season’s opening game showed both teams playing cautiously. The new ruling penalised Strays within minutes, chalking up 2 early infringements. The rhythm of the game was poor, with neither side playing to its strengths resulting in a 0-0 half time. At the re-start Derek Rowe re-organised the shape to an attacking 1-3-1, the players gave their heads a shake and we were off at pace with a marked uptick in play resulting in a goal fest. On his debut, Mark Speight bagged 3, Colin 2 (narrowly missing his hat trick with a saved penalty) and Paddy 1, to start our campaign off in the way intended. 

Game 2: Strays 3 – 1 Wakefield Purples
Deservedly so, the same team started the 2nd Game. Wakefield have always been stiff opposition and so it proved in a tight opening, with Paddy nicking the first goal for Strays, quickly followed by Colin to end the half at 2-0 up. At the resumption Wakefield pressed hard resulting in a great goal to get back in the game. With Strays on 3 infringements, the team was walking a tightrope, but Paddy relieved the pressure by picking the ball up in midfield to slot a wonderful strike into the bottom corner to settle the team. Good game management got the job done chalking up a second, hard fought win.

Game 3: Strays 1 – 1 Bradford
This fixture, against our nemesis, is always a ding-dong. Bradford City are a very difficult side to overcome, so a change in shape and thrust meant Colin coming off for Derek Rowe. At the off both teams were at it, with Strays predominant, edging the lead through Mark Speight for 1-0 at half time. At the resumption, our infringement count resulted in a Bradford penalty which Alan Stockdill duly despatched (with a wry grin) past Steve. That re-set our count which reverted the pressure on Bradford and with 2 minutes left Strays got a penalty. Despite Paddy’s best efforts, the Bradford keeper made an outstanding save resulting in honours even.

Game 4: Strays 5 – 1 Doncaster
We had to recover in order to gain momentum due to other results around us. Mark Speight came off with Colin replacing him as we went to a 1-1–3 to form a 3 man attack. That said Doncaster were giving it a right go and unsettling the Strays. The first goal for Strays came from Colin, followed by a strike from Derek Rowe to end the half at 2-0, and at the resumption Paddy dinked a third. Doncaster latched on to a rare defensive error to get a great goal resulting in the Strays piling on the pressure with a further goal from Colin and a good passage of play from Steve in goal for Mike to smack home the fifth. 

Game 5: Strays 2 – 1 Leggy Mambos
For the final game Leggy Mambos were on fire following 4 straight wins, the lively Alan Davies giving Dave Sparrow a game, the break came with a thunderous strike from Alan that Steve had no chance of stopping, that said, this is a forged Strays 70’s that sticks to its game plan. Within 2 minutes Derek Rowe struck an unstoppable goal then, through a melee of players, Derek slotted the ball to Mark Speight to take a 2-1 lead at half time. At the resumption the game got unnecessarily feisty resulting in blue cards to a player from each side. this then escalated, resulting in reds. This was unfamiliar territory for the Strays who have never had a 70s player dismissed for a red in a competitive game, at the resumption the Strays were awarded a penalty for further infringements that was unfortunately not converted by Derek. The team then played down the clock through keeping possession, resulting in a very rare win against Mambos.

Manager Reaction
Derek Rowe: “It’s clear the Strays continue to improve and the captaincy of Mike Pyle is maintaining good team spirit. Holding and defeating the two strongest sides in this league is real progress, and consistency is now key - but so is discipline on and off the field, we hope to never see a repeat of red cards from any WF player in our community going forward.”
 

Conclusion

It was great to resume our Walking Football amongst a great set of league players from the region, and continuing our progression with hard earned wins as a result of high team morale. Strengthening our side as we progress, we hope for a good season. We go again in a regional friendly against a superb East Riding Rangders on 21st January, closely followed by Round 2 of the NCLA on 4th February, with an exciting debut in the Greater Manchester Walking Football League in late March.

Positively, it's great to report that at today’s conclusion Strays sit proudly top of the League with 13 Points from 4 wins and a draw, scoring 17 and only conceding 4. A great start, long may this form continue!

The Strays squad today was – Steve Simpson (GK), Dave Sparrow, Mike Pyle (C), Paddy Keightley, Derek Rowe, Colin Stringfellow, Mark Speight