Oldham Athletic Walking Football team were back in action on Sunday, this time with the Over-60s side, who have recently entered the Lancashire Over-60s Premier League. The competition sees teams play three consecutive 20-minute matches each month at the impressive Bolton Arena.
First up for Latics were fellow league newcomers Bolton B.A.C.S.V. In a tight contest with few clear-cut chances, Oldham controlled much of the play, with defensive pairing captain Gary Townsend and Paul Wilkinson preventing any meaningful opportunities on the Oldham goal. Mick Harwood was unlucky not to give Oldham the lead midway through the match when he found himself in space on the right, but his shot from a tight angle went narrowly wide. However, Oldham’s persistence was eventually rewarded late on when a precise pass from Keith Whalen found striker John Caulfield, whose well-struck first-time effort sailed into the top-right corner to give Oldham a well-deserved 1-0 victory.
Next up were Salford-based Foundation 92, and it was F92 who took an early lead when a cruel deflection gave Oldham debutant goalkeeper David Smith no chance. That made for a more open contest as Oldham looked to get back into the game. Both goalkeepers made a number of fine saves, and the equaliser eventually arrived when good link-up play saw Caulfield lay the ball back to the impressive Keith Whalen, who calmly slotted home into the bottom-left corner. The match intensified in the later stages, with both teams close to conceding a penalty for an accumulation of running offences. Oldham’s greater discipline was rewarded when a penalty was awarded in their favour. Caulfield stepped up and converted for his second goal of the afternoon to give Latics the lead. However, the game was soon level again when Latics failed to clear a ball across the penalty area, allowing the Salford striker to squeeze it past the unlucky Smith with only two minutes remaining.
The match ended 2-2.
Oldham’s final game of the afternoon was against the experienced BA Mavericks, and Latics competed effectively throughout. However, goalkeeper David Smith was forced into a number of outstanding saves and could do little to prevent Oldham conceding twice – first from a well-struck effort from a central position, and then from a neatly worked move down the right-hand side. Latics had a couple of good chances themselves, but BA Mavericks eventually ran out 2-0 winners.
Played in bright spring sunshine and in excellent spirit, it was a very enjoyable experience for everyone involved. A special mention must also go to the referee, who produced a very good performance across all of Oldham’s matches.
Oldham Athletic walking football team would like to express their sincere thanks to shirt sponsors Kingdom People, a UK-wide recruitment and staffing provider delivering permanent, temporary and contract workforce solutions across multiple sectors.
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Author: The Walking Football
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