Harrogate Strays have completed a magnificent league and cup double — capping a remarkable first season together by adding the Northern Counties Alliance League Cup to their 2026 championship title.

Travelling to Wakefield already crowned league winners, the Strays set their sights on a clean sweep.

They began with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Bradford City, Tony Breslin finding the net after clever build-up play.

Harrogate Strays Walking Football Club Over 70s – Northern Counties Alliance Over-70s League Champions 2026 and Northern Counties Alliance Over-70s League Cup Winners 2026

A narrow 2–1 defeat to tournament favourites Leggy Mambos followed — Breslin again on target — before a crucial 1–0 win over Leeds, secured by Derek Rowe’s clinical finish, kept their hopes alive.

Two tightly contested draws against Wakefield opposition tested their resolve, before a strong 2–0 win over Doncaster Dynamos earned them a final rematch against Leggy Mambos.

The final proved a tense, gripping affair, with both defences dominating. Dave Sparrow, Steve Simpson and skipper Mike Pyle were outstanding, limiting the Mambos to few opportunities.

As extra time loomed, the breakthrough arrived in stunning fashion: Rowe intercepted a loose pass, found Breslin in space, and the in-form striker unleashed a thunderous strike that flew into the top corner — a goal fit to win any final. The Strays held firm to secure a famous 1–0 victory and lift the trophy.

Manager Derek Rowe paid tribute to a squad only formed in March this year: “To bounce back from losing to Leggy Mambos in the group stage and beat them in the final shows exactly what this team is made of — character, resilience and togetherness.

“Every single player gave everything today and throughout the season. This double is a fantastic achievement.”

Tony Breslin capped a memorable campaign by being named Strays Player of the Year, his crucial goals throughout the tournament — including that cup-final winner — proving decisive.

Harrogate Strays have completed a magnificent league and cup double — capping a remarkable first season together by adding the Northern Counties Alliance League Cup to their 2026 championship title. They also earned their place among the nation’s walking football elite at the prestigious WFA National Cup Finals in Nottingham — representing the Northern Region as undefeated regional winners, from an original field of more than 700 players across 78 clubs. — Pic credit: Harrogate Strays WFC

Harrogate Strays Over-70s also earned their place among the nation’s walking football elite at the prestigious WFA National Cup Finals in Nottingham — representing the Northern Region as undefeated regional winners, from an original field of more than 700 players across 78 clubs.

Fresh from the spectacular league and cup double this season, the Strays were drawn into a tough seven-team group and immediately signalled their intent.

They avenged last year’s regional final defeat by Matlock — a side packed with international talent — edging a tight encounter 1–0 thanks to a fine finish from Val Warwrosz and a commanding defensive performance.

Two narrow, hard-fought defeats followed against high-calibre opposition.

An evenly matched contest with Eastleigh turned on two defensive lapses; Derek Rowe halved the deficit from the penalty spot, but the Strays could not find an equaliser.

Then, in a heart breaking finish against Worthing — a match Harrogate dominated with 80 per cent possession — a late rebound goal in the final seconds snatched victory from their grasp, leaving the Strays devastated after such a commanding display.

Despite missing out on progression by the finest of margins, the Strays can reflect with immense pride on a campaign that saw them stand toe-to-toe with the country’s best sides. Both defeats came by a single goal, and the squad’s spirit, discipline and commitment shone throughout.

Team spokesperson Paul Rogers said: “Reaching the national finals caps a truly outstanding season — and proves beyond doubt that Harrogate Strays belong among the elite of the Over-70s game.

“With the quality and togetherness on show, future national honours remain firmly within their sights.”

Source: https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/sport