Walking football continues to expand across the region, and most clubs take part in the National competitions (Glasgow), the Cumberland League (Whitehaven/Penrith/Carlisle) and Northern Ireland.
Whilst competitive football is good for some it tends to leave out the less competitive players who are a big part of the overall numbers and probably the most invested group. In a recent meeting it was decreed that local events between the clubs should include festivals for non-competition players only to involve 65s to over 80s. All the local clubs are invited to hold a festival at some point over the next two years making them a half-yearly event. The first one took place at Galabank on Wednesday, and our Walking Football group were one of the teams who took part.
Given the opportunity to wear the club colours the team did very well. Although the scores were not recorded in a competitive way they are nevertheless important to those playing. Stand in reporter, Peter Heath provided a roundup of the sides matches.
In their first match, Queens faced hosts Annan. The fourteen players were fully familiar with each other but not necessarily used to playing as competitive teams and saw out a game of walking football as originally intended. Early on Queens stand-in goalkeeper Alan was the busier of the two keepers although as the game wore on the link up play between two stalwarts Kenny and Ally resulted in several pops at goal but neither side could find the net and the game ended goal-less.
Next up for Queens was Kirkcudbright side, St Cuthbert Wanderers. Team manager Andy issued a rallying call, and the gloves were off - unfortunately St Cuthbert's had the same idea. This game always had an edge to it but still within the philosophy of walking football. Alan in goal pulling off several saves in "continental" style to keep Saints out before Queens were awarded a penalty for incursion in the penalty area. Captain, Kenny hit it straight into the keeper’s midriff. Straight away on the break St Cuthbert's had three on two but Iain's right foot saved. Unfortunately, moments later nothing could stop the excellent goal from St Cuthbert's, a 15-yard screamer into bottom corner. Bob took up a midfield role in the second half and added a presence as he linked up well with centre forward Ally. Bob, Ally and fan's favourite Dougie all had their shots well saved. The pressure paid off and Queens were awarded another penalty, with Kenny off, Ally took the spot kick but an excellent save by the goalie denied them again and Saints won by the solitary goal.
The third game saw Queens take an established WF team, Stranraer. Queens started well with Billy marshalling his defence of Kim and Iain. Twinkle toes Kenny was rolling back the years in midfield, although his shouting for Ally to show himself up front was a bit harsh as he was on the bench! Mike in the lime green boots was literally causing headaches to the Stranraer defence and then the Queens performance went to another level. Davie found space in the midfield and with a combination of a Cruyff turn and suspected mis-control turned to fire in a 15-yard worldie. Queens were dominant and a win looked on the cards. However, Alan who had been a standout so far with upwards of a dozen saves then unfathomably under no pressure passes the ball to Stranraer centre forward and the game ended one all.
It's tough being a goalie, especially a stand in goalie, but Alan was later presented with player of tournament as AAFC laid on their hospitality afterwards. All in all, it was a great first event, there were plenty of smiles and laughter from the guys who don't normally get to represent Queens elsewhere.
QOS Walking Football are also grateful for the support from the club and for the access to the minibus which keeps the squad together and engaged whilst travelling.
Team Manager: Andrew Durham
Queens Squad: Kenny Wallace (Capt.), Ally Rankine, Billy McRobert, Mike Jones, Iain McKie, Dougie Lockhart, Davie Henderson, Alan Cameron, Kim Bellwood & Bob Park