When the world knows your name*
SHWFC members can be forgiven for going about their task with a jaunty air The Club is after all the World’s Most Famous Walking Football Club….Probably
The recent revelations by newshound Lunchtime O’Booze, regarding the potential takeover by Manx Offshore money has raised eyebrows across the sport This week the emergence of a possible new suitor, Middle East crypto billionaire Sheik yer Monet has added to speculation that there might soon be a new broom at the helm
The Club’s hierarchy has dismissed such talk as “a tissue of lies” Sky has dispatched reporters to doorstep Club officials In leafy Cheshire El Presidente Towers set the dog on Kaveh Solenoid, while never to be outdone Lord Rainford (former Club Secretary) set his entire pack of servants on poor Vinnie O’Calamity As the saga enters its fourth week we can only hope that “they should us the money soon!” Meldrew L
Monday morning’s Ruskin session went to plan with three very competitive 7 a side matches, followed in very swift order by another set of three very competitive 7 a side matches 42 players, 3 Referees and countless spectators on hand to enjoy the autumnal weather
The teams were
Red - Robin, Speedo, McSpeed, Monday Michelle, Jim & Wickie
Blue - Steve Jones, Ian Connor, Kirsty, Eamon, Citeh Geoff, debutant Steve Fowles (let’s hope he doesn’t) and Meldrew L
Green - Barry Wizz, Eileen, Grazer Clark, Peter O’Mara, Mark NR, Roy & Haggis
Purple - Cockney Rebel, Ste Harding, Beach Boy, Andy Man, Big Tony, Trish & Colin the late (though not lately)
Old Gold - Jan, Gonzalo, Mike Thomo, Tom Stretch, John Hill & Cornelius
Black - JC, Dame Sheila, Lefty Bridge, John Hayes, Ashy, Mossy & Les H
Charlie took charge of the action on the furthest pitch which featured
Blue v Red
1 Eamon v 2 Lee & Michelle
A furious full action game with both sides contributing to produce an extremely watchable match, decided by an excellent strike to seal the Red victory
In the next game Red entertained Purple fresh from an incredibly tight match with Green In the end the result was always in doubt Two goals by Girvo meant we had a disputed result Ste Harding and Beach Boy had their best games yet Speedo Mick appears to be improving every week, he covered every inch of the pitch. Cockney Rebel played well, spraying his passes all over the pitch. Lee and Mike always dangerous up front. Final result 2-2 or 2-1 hence the dispute
El Presidente ran his weathered eye over a pulsating fixture with Purple and Green serving up a classic cliff-hanger, 2 up within 3 minutes thanks to goals by Haggis,(Omara assist) andMark NR (intercept from lose clearance ) Green were pegged by Colin 1-2 then Big Tony who applied a superb deft touch to draw the sides level at 2-2
Mark NR re-established the Green advantage despite Pete O’Mara after being fouled in build up 4-2 good advantage Ref!
In the closing stages Beach Boy nutmegged the keeper following a bad throw out 4-3 The equaliser came on the stroke of full time Beach Boy with a twist & shot just seconds from the final whistle 4-4 Some great play, some awful distribution from defence The draw probably a fair summation
Next up Green v Black with Black ahead thanks to early Phil Moss finish
John Hayes produced a point blank save into family jewels to smother a Mark NR shot before Barry faded a shot into near post area for 1-1
Pete O’Mara finished after Green switched play from side to side 2-1 Green
Barry endured another frustrating spell in front of goal with a series of lofted shots high into the stratosphere Black stormed back level with a collectors item Ashworth goal crashed in fine style past Grazer 2-2 before an Ian Bridge Exocet made it 3-2 for Black
Ten minutes to go
Black moved swiftly towards goal whilst some Green were strolling or standing still Green survived somehow allowing Peter O’Mara to drill a fine drive into corner 3-3
Five minutes left Black fewer attacks Green better defensively or so it seemed Then from nowhere Les Hewitt finished in space from right after Black had rampaged down left 4-3 Then goal was a little against the run of play at that stage, before John Hayes made another fine late save to ensure Black win
Pitch A Game 1 caught the attention of Ref Jeff
Old Gold 1 v 5 Black
Black started well against some poor defending by Old Gold taking a 2nil lead with goals from Ian and Eamon, Gonzalo then pulled a goal back for Gold who started to play better putting some good passing moves together Fortunately for Black though their keeper was in fine form and with the help of his goalposts and cross bar on four occasions managed to keep Gold at bay. Ian went on to get his hat trick with John and Les adding to the Black score line
The highlight of the game was two great back heel passes from big Phil putting Ian through on goal twice and he also laid a quick free kick on for Les to caress the ball into the bottom corner with the keeper well rooted to the spot.
Game 2
Blue 5 v 1 Old Gold Ref Jeff writes
“A very similar game to the first one with Old Gold defence almost non-existent at times Blue making the most of their chances. Goals by Eamon (1) Steve (2) and Kirsty (1) when she was first to react to a rebound off the post. The consolation goal for Gold was scored by Mike who had worked tirelessly linking play well with Gonzalo and was rewarded for his endeavour. I must give a shoutout for Jan who at one point managed to nutmeg Citeh Geoff which is no mean feat, so well done Jan, and also well done Old Gold who never gave up and accepted defeats with honour congratulating their opponents in a sporting manner
Wednesday's Sutton SoccerDome session was a tale of two opposites
The indoor Sports Hall portion played in a heat haze with the usual suspects
Blue- Joe the Ghost, Les H, Phil the Power, Meldrew & Cockney Rebel
Orange - Lord Rainford, Citeh Geoff, Grav, JC & Speedo Mick
Blue 5 v 3 Orange
Joe (3HT) Les Hewitt (1) Blue
Grav (2) Lord Rainford (1)
Orange
Blue were three up by the break it could have been four but for Citeh Geoff saving a penalty given against Orange for encroachment.
The second half was very different with Blue possibly coasting only to allow Orange back into the game through Grav 2 and M'Lord At three a piece the game was set up for a nail biting finish.This could have been avoided when Blue were awarded another penalty for encroachment only to have the spot kick saved again by the keeper. Orange saw this as their chance to take the game by going gung-ho for the winner, unfortunately this didn’t work and they were hit twice on the break. Joe completing his hat trick to give Blue the win. A big thanks to assistant referees Geoff Prout and Citeh Geoff's Grandson in the VAR room for confirming the penalty decisions Both decisions the result of Meldrew losing his way near his own keeper's area Compass on Christmas list?
Overall a very enjoyable romp
Meanwhile in the parallel universe populated by the weather 16 brave souls were rewarded for their willingness to risk a good soaking by an hours fine enjoyment without rain The game was end to end highlighted by periods of superb teamwork with great movement rewarded by accurate passing There were moments when the high standards didn’t quite match the endeavour but thankfully few
The teams selected were
Lilac - Ian Hilton, Gaz, Chris 4G, Jason, Chris 10P, Midweek Michelle & Eamon
Pink - Simon, Andy Man, Ste Carine, Haggis (belated Happy Birthday) Doug, Tom Stretch & Jim
As play got underway there was an inevitable period of settling down, the opening goal was a tad fortunate Eamon crashing a rebound from keeper Andy Man and a post Lilac one up, as ever applause for Andy’s honesty There was a prolonged period of cancelling each other out before Chris 4G crossed for Chris 10P to prod home 2-0 Lilac good value for their better accuracy Eamon converted a breakaway for Lilac after Pink had over-cooked some pressure on the Lilac goal Half time Lilac 3 in front
El Presidente was contemplating a transfer switch to kerb the dominance that Lilac was now displaying Doug seized on a poor clearance to peg Lilac back to 3-1 Doug then unfortunately conceded a penalty his foot well inside the area Chris 10P scored with some ease 4-1 Lilac back in command
Steve Carine squeezed a shot home for 4-2 Pink might have just scored through Haggis but the pressure eventually led to the goal Eamon finished off from a free kick close in Pink defenders missing in action 5-2
The eventual change in personnel followed a smart finish from Michelle for 6-2
Jim and Ian Hilton were traded in an effort to stem the one way traffic around the Pink goal
Ten minutes remaining 6-2 Lilac on top, Jason blazed high The transfer paid off with Ian Hilton finishing off, following up from a Jason shot Lilac still 6-3 ahead
Carine was narrowly wide and Pink forcing Lilac deeper Tom Stretch claimed the last word with a shot from some distance 6-4 the final act
A great night’s Walking Football largely incident free but superb performances to lighten the heavy weather conditions
A reminder that the Club are looking to appoint a St Helens-based Secretary to handle any occasional official correspondence It’s a time for people to step up and get involved rather than leaving everything to others Be the difference
Late news update Phil Mullarkey has successfully undergone surgery We all wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back soon
When the World Knows Your Name* - Deacon Blue seminal 1989 album
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