A 2-0 defeat for England Veterans’ Over 75’s against their younger counterparts in the England Veterans’ Over 70’s ‘A’ team in Leicestershire on Thursday 30th October

The 70’s ‘A’ team included four of the side who reached the semi finals of the 2024 World Cup in Cardiff and they were playing against teammates who had moved to the Over 75’s.

The Over 75’s started very brightly and played some excellent possession football but the game began to ebb the way of the Over 70’s ‘A’s’ who in turn created pressure on the Over 75’s goal.

Eventually this pressure produced an opportunity in the penalty box for striker Peter Price to open the scoring and it was still 1-0 to the Over 70’s ‘A’s’ at half time.

The game ebbed and flowed until a second half penalty awarded to the Over 70’s ‘A’ team confidently converted by Bob Kippen, made it more comfortable.

The Over 75’s came back into the game and to their credit finished the game brightly and demonstrated that the legs might move slower but the football brain shines brightly.

Well done to both sides – the game was competitive but played in the right spirit and the post match camaraderie was most enjoyable.

The referee Keith Scott, deserves a mention as he again showed his knowledge, experience and fun for the game.

Our thanks to Lutterworth Athletic Football Club for use of their excellent facilities.

Photo: England Veterans’ Over 70’s ‘A’ team.

Back row, left to right: Dave Blaylock, Richard Wightman, Brian Houlsdon, Peter Price, Steve Maloney, Alan Robson, Dave Gilbert and Bob Kippen.

Front Row, left to right: Chris Kalli, Larry Gazzard (Joint Manager), Brian Monnery, Richard Meredith, Micky Thwaites, Steve Boardman and Peter Barrow (Joint Manager).