Our over 50's Walking Football Team, Vintage Celtic, took on Leeds Titans at Copley Academy, Stalybridge in the spring sunshine. After Vintage Celtic's 1-8 demolition last month in the Friendly away fixture, expectations were a little higher thanks to having some of our better players available and a full squad of 10.
Vintage Celtic lined up as follows -
Back Row Left To Right:
Lee Shedwick, Brian Coll, Paul O'Neil,
Tony Wade, Dave Quinn.
Front Row Left To Right:
Colin Grimshaw, John Parkinson, Mick Adams,
Derek Drabble, Mike Kieran.
The game started evenly enough as was the case in the away fixture but Celtic looked far more comfortable thanks to a solid defensive formation of Brian Coll and Lee Shedwick at the back. With Colin Grimshaw and John Parkinson playing in the middle and Paul O'Neil up front Celtic had a strong look about them and expectations were high. Celtic took the lead from a great shot by John Parkinson which the Leed's keeper couldn't hold.
The first half lead was increased to 2-0 thanks to a great goal from Brian Coll. Leeds pulled one back to make the half time score 2-1 to Celtic. The game was played at a hectic pace with excellent marking from both sides and shots on goal were few and far between.
New players to competition Mick Adams and Dave Quinn looked comfortable enough in this environment and although they had limited playing time they looked a good addition to the squad. Tony Wade suffering from that dreadful infection ‘manflu' had to be withdrawn as it was obvious he was feeling out of sorts and run down.
The second half saw Celtic awarded a penalty which was duly despatched by Lee Shedwick to increase Celtic's lead to 3-1. At this stage victory looked in Celtic's grasp but the Titan's looked stronger in the last 15 minutes and levelled the score with 2 goals in the last 10 minutes.
Thanks to the Leed's team who once again proved what an excellent side they are and all the Celtic players who turned out today, Mick Adams, Brian Coll, Derek Drabble, Colin Grimshaw, Mike Kieran, Paul O'Neil, John Parkinson, Dave Quinn, Lee Shedwick and Tony Wade.
Thanks also to Eddie Gibson who refereed the game very professionally and what an unenviable task that has to be, with running extremely difficult to define in walking football. At times the game threatened to boil over with some robust challenges but Eddie handled the situation well enough to retain control.
The after match refreshments were taken in Vintage Celtic's HQ, The Lord Stamford pub in Stalybridge and after a very competitive game it was good to see both sides enjoying each others company, this is what walking football should be all about
