Warwick United 6, Bridge 1: Golden oldies can’t wait for big day

Warwick's Nicholas Foran and Bridge's Mike King in an aerial challenge.

WARWICK United reached an Ashton Sunday League final — in this case the President’s Cup — for the first time in five years following a scintillating display against Bridge at Coalshaw Green Park.

United official John Ham was delighted, especially as many of his side is made up of players in the over-35 age bracket.

Ham said: “It is great for the lads and we are looking forward to the final already.

“We were on top form throughout the match but I have to say that Bridge weren’t at the races.”

That was a view shared by Chris Lawton, the Bridge manager, who said: “They wanted it a lot more than we did, although things could have been a little different if we had taken more of our chances.

“Warwick were more up for it than we were and we can have no complaints about the result.”

It was fair to assume that there would be plenty of goals in this, the first of the President’s Cup semi-finals.

Only a few weeks ago, the two sides met in the league and played out an amazing 6-6 draw.

Warwick were 3-0 in front at half time and Bridge’s consolation goal came late on in the game.

There were a couple of spectacular goals from Warwick’s Martin Chapman and Nick Foran to add a touch of dazzle to an otherwise one-sided affair.

Warwick will have to wait to find out their opponents in the final as Dog and Partridge and Charlestown meet in the other last-four tie this weekend.

Goals — Warwick: Chapman (15, 56), Foran (28, 44), Wolfenden (77), Jones (79). Bridge: Walsh (89).

WARWICK UNITED: Edwards, Williams, Dunks, Rodgers, Derbyshire, McKechnie, Wolfenden, Simmons, Chapman, Foran, Jones. Subs: Mercer, Butterworth, Berry, Hewitt.

BRIDGE: Lomas, A King, Cumpsty, McMinn, Harris, Cullenaine, M King, Kessell, Fleming, Walsh, S King. Subs: Horsfield, Gray, Ryder.


FORMER Chadderton FC secretary and referee Dave Ball has published his book ‘Give a Little Whistle’,

Ball, who was also programme editor for Chadderton FC for several years, details many aspects of the amateur football scene in Oldham, with more than a sprinkling of humour thrown in.

The book is available from lulu.com