The first match day of the inaugural Lincolnshire FA Walking Football League saw teams from the Stamford Strollers enter in both the 60+ and the 50+ categories, with matches played at Lincolnshire University on the 3G astro turf.
The 60+ lads started with a tough game against Spilsby, but two goals from Dave Barry and one each from Ian Cooke and Bob Lear were not enough to see the Strollers through and they went down 6-4.
All teams play two games on each match day and next up for our over 60 lads were the favourites for the competition, Grimsby. Despite concerted effort the quality of the Grimsby team, and greater mobility, saw them ease past us quite comfortably and we fell to a 0-7 defeat. Not the best day for the more senior guys but they can make a fresh start on match day 2 next week.
The 50+ squad fared much better. Despite falling behind twice to Boston, the team continued to play some good passing football and with goals from Paul Blakemore, Martin Lott and Jez Norris took all three points with a 3-2 win.
Next up were a well organised Long Bennington team. Despite dominating possession Stamford fell behind twice yet again, but like the Boston match, the team continued to play their passing game, dominating possession and creating openings. A hatrick from skipper Taff Lovesey and two from Paul Blakemore saw the Strollers through with a 5-2 win. An excellent start for the 50+ lads.
Results & Squads:
60+
L 4-6 v Spilsby Strollers (D Barry x 2, I Cooke, B Lear)
L 0-7 v Grimsby Corinthians
Squad:C Kirby (capt), M Gardner, B Falkous, L Tringham, I Cooke, P Crane, B Lear, D Barry
50+:
W 3-2 v Boston (P Blakemore, M Lott, J Norris)
W 5-2 v Long Bennington (T Lovesey x 3, P Blakemore x 2)
Squad: T Lovesey (capt), P Blakemore, K Garbutt, M Lott, A Walton, J Norris, W Barrett
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