Blacks and Greens 60s - 4th Matchday of GFA WFL 24/25
A Happy New Year as Calne's Black and Greens gathered at Oaklands Park for the first matchday of 2025 and fourth matchday of the GloucestershireFA Over 60s Walking Football League. With temperatures around 3˚C and a biting north easterly wind, it was an opportunity to get the benefit of the club's new Omnium sponsored track tops and for both teams to get warmed up and put a few points on the board.
Here's how it went...
Greens
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| Perry K, Charlie N, Chris W, Geoff R. Mark K, Ollie S, Jon H. |
Calne Greens over 60s team again had a mixed set of results...
The first game was an exciting 1 v 1 draw against Calne Blacks in the “El Classico” derby. We took an early lead through a close range effort from Mark and had further chances to extend the lead, hitting the woodwork twice, before Blacks equalised with a fine finish from Graham N after a through ball from Phil C split open our defence.
Next up was a goalless match against Cardiff City, who appear to have considerably strengthened their team since we played them last year, when we won comfortably 4 v 0. Cardiff dominated possession without really threatening our goal and we came away feeling hard done by as a shot from Jon was adjudged not to have crossed the goal line even though the view from everyone present - including those who were impartial watchers - other than the referee, was that it had crossed the line.
As a result we only claimed two points from the first two games when it could well have been six.
What followed was a 0 v 2 defeat against Keynsham Reds, who were a strong physical side. We rarely threatened their goal and were further hampered by a blue card shown to Perry, for objecting to the overly physical approach of our opponents.
Our next game was a comprehensive 1 v 3 defeat at the hands of a very impressive Weston side, who thoroughly deserved their win. Although we improved towards the end of the game we had to settle for a consolation goal scored by Perry.
We won our final game against a tiring Cam & Dursley side 5 v 0, with goals scored by Mark (3) and Perry (2). Although a really emphatic win, it didn’t take away the disappointment of the low points tally of five from five games.
Once again everyone gave 100%, with Charlie making some brilliant saves, Geoff and Jon resolutely defending against some particularly potent attackers, Chris performing admirably in both defence and midfield, Ollie giving another lung busting display and Mark and Perry with the goals, mainly from good link up play.
Greens results
Calne Town Blacks 1 v 1 Calne Town Greens
Calne Town Greens 0 v 0 Cardiff
Calne Town Greens 0 v 2 Keynsham Town
Calne Town Greens 1 v 3 Weston Super Mare
Calne Town Greens 5 v 0 Cam & Dursley
Blacks
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| Graham N, Phil C, John K, Tony N. Jeff D, Richard G, Sion H. |
Calne Blacks arrived with an improvised squad of seven which included three over 70s players and two debutants, and it was the first time we had played together as a team in nearly three months.
We kicked off 2025 against the younger Calne Greens side who knocked the ball around like Barcelona, but we hung in there. Kirkman Jnr. of the Greens scored from a tight angle against his older brother and debutant, John, in goal. The Blacks upped the pace and Phil released a great through ball for Graham to move onto and score from distance. 1 v 1. Honours even from the derby.
Next up, high flying Abbeymead. Despite many great saves from John, and resilient defensive work from Jeff, Phil, Graham and Richard, we were clearly second best and lost 0 v 2.
Not dispirited, we went out vs Cam & Dursley to have fun and start our passing game up. We won comfortably 2 v 0. Graham got both goals, one from a sublime Tony N assist who troubled C&D throughout. Unlucky not to score a few more.
Next up, Bristol United. Sion H, our other debutant, picked up a loose ball in midfield and powered home from distance. Bristol equalised but we deservedly scored the winner, with Graham driving in from a Richard G through ball - 2 v 1.
Our day ended with a 0 v 3 loss to Weston Super Mare who, on the day, were different class.
Overall, given the circumstances, we did well. Our two debutants - John and Sion - made strong contributions. Jeff and Phil were tough at the back. Tony worked tirelessly upfront and got two assists. Richard and Graham held the midfield.
Roll on March 2nd, and to growing this team.
Blacks results
Calne Town Blacks 1 v 1 Calne Town Greens
Abbeymead Rovers 2 v 0 Calne Town Blacks
Calne Town Blacks 2 v 0 Cam & Dursley
Bristol Utd 1 v 2 Calne Town Blacks
Calne Town Blacks 0 v 3 Weston Super Mare
For a full set of matchday four results, click here.
Contributors: Mark K, Graham N, Paul W
