ANDY PIERCY

Frenford Senior 1 Glassmasters 3

On a sunny evening the players from the over 45 Division, some perhaps in the twilight of their footballing careers,  showed why just over twenty years ago creating the Veterans league  was a very good idea.  Both sides played some good attacking football but some wise old heads in defence kept clear cut chances for either team to a minimum. It wasn't until the 27th minute that a small opening appeared and given the opportunity to shoot Mark Bambridge had a go from the edge of the box and squeezed the ball between goalie and post to put Glassmasters 1-0 to the good.  Frenford Senior pushed to get the equaliser but the Glassmsters defence held firm and it was from one of their clearances in the 40th minute  that Mark Bambridge stole in to lob the advancing goalkeeper and put his side 2-0 up just before the break.  The second period saw Frenford Senior push harder to get on terms but they were given few opportunities and whilst going forward they tended to leave a few gaps at the back. Into one such gap strode Steve Hall who crossed to the far post where Peter Holloway rose to nod the ball home giving Glassmasters a 3-0 lead with just fifteen minutes remaining. Referee Robert Astley, who had controlled the game well,  ensured that time was added where appropriate and it was three minutes into that added time when Lee Parnell netted from close range for a goal that turned out to be a single consolation for Frenford Senior as the final whistle sounded shortly after to proclaim Glassmasters the winners by 3-1.  

The League were pleased that Chris Manley, a stalwart of the league as a referee, was able to attend to present the Trophy and medals.

Squads

Frenford Senior:

Jimmy Flood, Les Brace, Ray Webster, Brendan McWeeney, Terry Seales, Mark Sellars, Peter Horsfall, Mick Keating, Terry 0'Grady, Wayne Hunt, Gary Young, Steve Carolan, Lee Parnell, Tony Busby, Dean Bartrip, Steve Morea.

Glassmasters:

Bernie Holby, Andy Styles, Pete SAmith, Lawrence Rowbotham, Richard Gentle, Terry Dykes, Steve Hall, Steve Cox, Mark Bambridge, Roy Liddiard, Mick Thwaites, Peter Holloway, Nicky Smith, Ian Moran, Steve Sinclair, Steve Wells.

Officials

Referee:  Robert Astley  Assistant Referees: Mike James.   Dave Michnowiec. 4th Official Dave Brignall