Strollers Over 65s Derbyshire Walking Football Challenge Cup

Over 65s @ We are Derby Padel Thursday Feb 12 DWFL Challenge Cup

The squad for the Cup Quarter Final V Derby County was:

Kevin Chadwick

John Hutchins

Paul Humphries

Taff Lovesey

Jez Norris

Steve Bones

Tim Marsden Cap

The quarter final format involved 3 games V Derby, 3 points for a win, 2 points for a score draw and 1 point for a scoreless draw, the team with the most points over the 3 games would qualify for the semi finals.

Following on from last month’s relatively below par performances the squad was well focused for the Cup. Throughout the 3 games Strollers dominated possession and controlled the games to the extent that GK Kevin Chadwick had his easiest day in a

Stamford shirt in his first season with the Strollers.

On the other hand Vic Handley in the Derby goal played a blinder and saved the majority of shots that Stamford peppered his goal with. However, the Derby keeper couldn’t keep out Jez Norris’ calm finish following a fierce shot from Steve Bones, which Handley

could only parry into the path of Norris, giving Strollers a 1-0 win in game 1.

Game 2 saw Stamford take an even firmer grip of the tie with a smart finish from Norris giving Strollers the lead. Bones popped up with another goal to wrap up the tie and give Stamford a 2-0 win in game 2.

Even though game 3 was effectively a dead rubber Strollers were keen to maintain their performance levels. Despite the heroic efforts of the Derby keeper Bones scored his second of the day, and 24th of the season, and John Hutchins scored his first of the

season with a typically powerful finish from the left to give Stamford a 2-0 win.

Overall, 3 good performances and 3 wins, into the semi finals of the Cup and in good form going into MD6, the final series of games in the DWFL.