WINCHESTER WALKING FOOTBALL CLUB
2024 Match Reports
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Stoneham Tournament October 1st, 2024
Squad: John Hall, David Kirkby (Capt), Martin Kukla (GK), Steve Nash, Barry Poffley, Paul Reade
The tournament reverted to over 50's and we were placed in Ligue 1 - 4 matches of 18 minutes duration each.
vs Gosport Spartans Won 3-1
Winchester went 1-0 down early in the second half from a penalty for a 4th running infringement, but then bounced back strongly to score 3 quick goals - Steve N (2) and Barry (1)
vs Salisbury Reds Drew 0-0
A tight game of few clear cut chances - Barry hitting the post with a dink from a tight angle.
vs Southampton Strollers Won 5-0.
Winchester dominated possession with good movement and passing football - but took a while to find the net. A flurry of goals followed John H (2), Barry (2) and Steve N (1)
vs Hawks Originals Won 2-0.
Knowing a win would put us in a strong position in the table, Winchester scored an early goal (Barry) and then played a relatively tight game limiting any Hawks opportunities. A second goal by Steve N secured the win.
Congratulations to John H for his first competitive goals this season and well played Martin for his consistently solid goalie performances. Strong defensive work meant only one goal conceded (a penalty) and plenty of goal scoring opportunities were provided from the work carried out in midfield.
Played 4 - Won 3 - Drew 1
Winchester won the league and have now returned as winners from the last 3 Stoneham tournaments.
Winklebury Tournament
Wednesday 18 September
Winchester entered two teams in the over 60s tournament at Winklebury on 18 September, and there were three other sides. All teams played four matches of two nine minutes halves.
Winchester Greens’ squad was Derek (gk on loan from Bournemouth), Simon Davitt, John Hall, John Kane, John Mundy, Brian Mustoe, Eugene Wills. Unfortunately John Kane suffered a migraine and was unable to play after a couple of minutes of the second match.
Greens lost their first game to Farnham Flares 2-0, lost the second 2-1 to Portsmouth, Mundy the goal scorer, drew 0-0 with Winchester and lost 5-0 to Cove and consequently finished bottom with one point.
Stoneham Tournament
Wednesday 11 September 2024
Winchester entered the Over 60s competition and played three games of nine minutes each way.
In the first match against Hawks Originals, after a goalless first half, Andy Bramley scored twice in two minutes with great strikes from the right. Martin Kukla saved a couple of shots with his feet, Paul Reade had a shot blocked and Ian Dowson put an effort wide.
The second match against Salisbury Whites again saw Kukla make a couple of crucial saves, Eugene Wills’ attempt was saved and Reade’s shot following a free kick was deflected for a corner and it finished 0-0.
The third match saw Southampton Strollers open the scoring in the first minute and that is how it stayed until halftime. Dowson had an early second half attempt deflected away before Barry Poffley set up Wills to side foot in an equaliser. Poffley then went on the goal rampage, hooking in goals from both right and left and then intercepting down the middle to complete his hat trick and a 4-1 victory.
It meant Winchester finished joint top of the division with an identical record as Salisbury and consequently a penalty shootout. Poffley’s attempt was saved and Salisbury scored; Wills successfully placed his to the the keeper’s left and Kukla saved the second Salisbury try; Kukla then scored himself also going left and Salisbury’s third hit the post so Winchester went through 2-1 to the play off against Portsmouth.
It was an evenly contested match which again finished goalless and it was agreed to share the trophy rather than have another penalty shootout.
Squad: Martin Kukla, Andy Bramley, Ian Dowson, Brian Mustoe, Barry Poffley, Paul Reade, Eugene Wills.
FA Walking Football National Cup Hampshire round at Stoneham
on 7th and 8th August 2024
Winchester Walking Football Club entered teams in both the Over 50’s and Over 60’s competitions
In the Over 60’s Winchester were placed in La Liga and played four 16 minute matches, with a short halftime break. Unfortunately we failed to score and finished bottom of our group.
The squad was: Andy Bramley, Simon Davitt, Mike Green, John Hall, John Kane, John Mundy, Brian Mustoe and Kevin Reed.
Game 1: Portsmouth Whites 2, Winchester 0. We lost to a goal in each half. Mundy was in goal and Davitt and Green on the bench.
Game 2: Gosport 1, Winchester 0. Hall made two good saves and Davitt had a shot saved before Gosport scored the only goal from the left in at the near post just before halftime. Hall made another good save in the second period and Davitt was wide with another effort. Bramley and Mustoe were on the bench.
Game 3: Knightwood 2, Winchester 0. Bramley was in excellent form in goal, saving four shots before Knightwood scored from a rebound. Hall blocked another attempt and Bramley continued to keep Winchester in the game, tipping one over for a corner and stopping two more with his feet. Knightwood also had a goal disallowed for running before a deflection brought their second goal. Kane and Mundy were on the bench.
Game 4: Hawks 2, Winchester 0. Winchester started well with some good passing but Hawks took the lead with the help of a deflection in an even first half. Green’s long range shot was saved by the Hawks ‘keeper before they added a second in off the post. Davitt made another save but Hawks’ victory meant they finished top of the group. Hall and Reed were on the bench.
The Over 50’s fared slightly better but their third place finish meant that there was no qualification to the next round.
Game 1: Havant Hawks 1 -0 Winchester WFC
Game 2: Cove 0 - 2 Winchester WFC
Game 3: Winchester WFC 1 - 1 Eastleigh WFC
Game 4: Winchester WFC 1 - 0 Portsmouth ITC
Game 5: Compton 2 - 0 Winchester WFC
Goalscorers: Barry Poffley, Mark Wilinson, Paul Reade and Steve Nash
Winchester Walking Football Club Over 60's Team National Cup August 2024
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Farnham v Winchester Friendlies
Wednesday 3 July
Farnham entertained Winchester to a series of 15 minutes six-a-side matches on 3 July, played under Surrey FA walking football rules. The major difference was that after a team totted up four combined offences for running/tackling from behind and so on a penalty was awarded to the opposition. The goals were also much bigger than normal so head height became crossbar height.
Winchester entered two teams, the first consisting of a squad of seven, Andy Bramley, Ian Dowson, Geoff Holtom, Sue Hume, Steve Nash, Paul Reade, Dave Sewell; the second a squad of six, Mike Green, Brian Mustoe, Barry Poffley, Mick Turner, Mark Wilkinson and Eugene Wills. Bramley, Holtom, Sewell and Green were all making their club debuts.
A highlight of the evening was Steve Nash’s haul of five goals cementing his place as Winchester’s all time leading goal scorer and included his 50th strike for the club
In the first game Winchester 1 went down to the home team by 3 goals to two. Dave Sewell took the keeper’s gloves and Ian graciously offered to start on the bench.
Sue and Geoff started at the back with Steve and Andy in midfield and Paul up-top in a 2-2-1 formation.
A combative game with Winchester playing good football and creating some good chances. Paul and Andy going close on a couple of occasions. Both of Winchesters goals were scored by Steve Nash.
Winchester 2 defeated Farnham 2 by 3-0. Turner opened the scoring with a magnificent long range shot following a corner and Wilkinson then scored a brace. Poffley made a couple of important saves in goal.
In round two for Winchester 1 Andy Bradley took the keeper’s gloves and Sue Hume sat this one out. Geoff and Dave played at the back with Steve and Ian in midfield and Paul again played up-top. Winchester came back from 3-1 down to earn a deserved draw. Geoff and Paul going close on a couple of occasions. One interesting incident was that the referee, under the 4 team fouls rule, awarded Winchester a penalty for player dissent which was counted as the fourth team ‘foul’. Nash netted a hatrick for the visitors.
Winchester 2 gained another 2-0 victory, this time over Farnham 4 with goals from Wilkinson and Poffley. Turner was in goal and also made important saves.
In round three Winchester 1 played Farnham 2 and went down by 3 goals to one.
Steve went in goal and Geoff warmed the bench for this one. Sue and Dave played at the back and Andy and Ian were in midfield with Paul as striker. Winchester again played some tidy football with chances falling to Ian, Andy and Paul.
Farnham’s 3rd goal was not only a controversial ‘lob’ over the flat-footed ‘keeper, but the ball actually came down with space junk on it.
Andy calmly converted a penalty for his debut Winchester goal. It made a nice change for someone other than Steve Nash to score.
Winchester 2 took a 2-0 lead over Farnham 3, with a brace from Wilkinson.
However they conceded a penalty under the totting up procedure with offences by Wills, Mustoe and Wilkinson (2) and unfortunately goalkeeper Green was unable to stop the spot kick. Winchester 1 held on to win their third game.
In round four Winchester 1 played Farnham 4 losing narrowly 4 - 3. Geoff went in goal for the final game and Andy watched from the touchline. Sue and Dave continued their defensive partnership and Ian and Steve played in midfield with Paul once again playing as striker.
This was an excellent battling Winchester performance against probably the best Farnham side that we faced.
Paul finally got the goals (2) he deserved after working so hard all evening and Ian rounded off the scoring with a fine strike that didn’t sail over the bar and didn’t leave the stadium but actually nestled in the bottom left corner.
Winchester 2 maintained their 100% record by defeating Farnham 1 by 3-0 with goals from Green, Wilkinson and Poffley. Mustoe was tested only once in the Winchester goal.
WFA National Cup Over 50s 2nd Round
Sunday, 12 May 2024
Swindon Town 2, Winchester 1
Winchester bowed out of the national cup on a hot dry day in Swindon after an extremely tight contest.
Paul Reade, making his club debut, shot wide in the opening minute before Steve Nash and Mark Wilkinson both fired straight at the goalkeeper who then pushed another effort from Reade wide for a corner.
Paul Watling hit chances wide and over the top for the hosts and then Wilkinson and Phil Courtney saw shots saved.
Swindon made their first substitution after 10 minutes and continued to make use of the rolling subs rule throughout the game, keeping all nine players fresh.
Keith Walker broke through the middle but shot wide and David Kirkby made an important block on the edge of the area as Swindon grew into the game, Paul Harper forcing Martin Kukla in the Winchester goal to concede a corner.
Swindon's England goalkeeper Jason Brown then tipped a Courtney shot over for a corner which resulted in a goal for Wilkinson whose initial kick was parried and he followed up the rebound to net in the 17th minute.
Courtney had another attempt well saved and Gavin Barron hit the post for Swindon just before half time.
Ian Dowson replaced Nash at half-time and Wilkinson was again close for Winchester before Kukla was forced into a great double save.
The game continued to flow from end to end, Wilkinson's shot pushed against the post; Kukla tipping away an effort; Courtney making a vital block on Neil Sims.
Swindon equalised in the 28th minute when Walker gained possession in the centre and moved to his right before slotting past Kukla.
Courtney had another shot which hit both posts before being cleared and Nash returned to the fray in place of Kirkby.
Kukla made another important save and Sims was penalised for running and Walker was replaced by Swindon after collecting a second warning for fouling Wilkinson.
Once more Kukla came to Winchester's rescue with a save but he could do nothing to prevent Neil Philips grabbing the winner with a goal in off the post in the36th minute.
Fatigue got the better of Winchester as Swindon played good possession football to see out the remaining four minutes of the match and go through to the third round.
Stoneham Tournament May 2024
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Winchester Walking Footballers collected their second trophy in a week with a win in the ‘La Liga’ Division of the Hampshire Walking Football Tournament played on 1st May 2024. Following closely on their success in the Petersfield Dementia Friendly Trophy Winchester came home from Stoneham with the cup having been unbeaten in five games and without conceding a single goal.
Winchester 4 Gosport 0
Dominant performance with all goals coming in the second half, after several close efforts in the first, including Barry Poffley hitting the post. Winchester roared off the blocks in the second with Steve 'Nashie' Nash scoring 2 well taken goals in quick succession. The first set-up by Barry, Poffley the second following slick team passing that provided joy and delight to the spectators. Barry Poffley then scored a left-footed effort after a sharp interception and Phil Courtney rounded off another good passing move with a well taken fourth. John Hall made progress onp lanning the summer social event having not had anything to do in goal.
Winchester 1 Pompey Whites 0
A tighter game than the first but Winchester played good possession football after Pompey went close early on with an effort that fizzed wide. Phil Courtney was denied by a great save from the Pompey keeper and Steve Nash then kept out a Pompey effort. Those watching were astonished when the deadlock was broken by a spectacular curler into the top corner by Barry Poffley to finish a 3-man move.
Winchester 0 Bournemouth Reds 0
A slow start by both sides with a Bournemouth corner coming to nothing and then Steve Nash firing just wide. Winchester applied more pressure in the second half with several shots going close or being saved but couldn't find a winner.
Winchester 0 Hawks Originals 0
The second goalless game of the morning came despite Winchester dominating possession but were unable to convert any chances. The keeper made a good save from Phil Courtney in the first half and several efforts in the second went close but no joy for the spectators on this one.
Winchester 1 New Milton 0
A competitive match between the first and second placed teams was deservedly won by Winchester says our unbiased correspondent. John Hall first shot just wide after good team work and then passed to Barry Poffley whose effort the keeper did well to save. Steve Nash then intercepted a poor kick-out and neatly finished to give Winchester the lead. Winchester continued to work hard out of possession and still created several more chances including a great through ball to Ian Dowsonwho cleared the bar. (predictably!).
Winchester 1 Farnham Flares 0
Winchester went into this game knowing a win would give them the trophy and applied significant pressure preventing Farnham from escaping their own half in the first 3 or 4 minutes. Finally however Barry Poffley played in Steve Nash who rifled it into the corner for what ultimately proved to be the winner! Substitutions made by Farnham at half-time gave them some momentum with Kev making a great save to keep Winchester in front. Winchester then picked up again and had several corners and half-chances. A push by Farnham saw an effort well saved by Kev Reed and then a free kick that was well defended. Winchester finished strongly to see out a splendid win that secured top spot in 'La Liga’!
As they say, generally our play was outstanding from 'back to front' with solid defending, good talking and marking a some great football!
Squad: Dave Kirkby , Barry Poffley ,Steve Nash, Kevin Reef,Phil Courtney, John Hall and Ian Dowson
Jeff Williams Trophy Petersfield
Winchester WF ran out winners in the inaugural Jeff Williams Trophy which was held as part of the Dementia Football Fundraiser at the ground of Petersfield FC.
In the first game Winchester ran out 5-1 winners with four goals from Mark Wilkinson and one from Mick Turner.
In the final Winchester met old friends Clanfield and triumphed 3-2 to lift the trophy. Two goals from Ian Dowson. One of these goals was awarded after the Dubious Goals Committee decided that Ian’s original shot would just about have stayed in Hampshire if it hadn’t been deflected into the net by a defender. A late strike from Bill Farren-Price proved decisive.
The trophy was presented to Club Captain David Kirkby by local MP Damien Hinds however the real winner on the day was Dementia Friend Petersfield with valuable £1,339 being raised for this most worthy of causes.
The Winchester squad was David Kirkby, Dave Sewell, Ian Dowson, Mick Turner, Mark Wilkinson and Bill Darren-Price. The team were, as ever, expertly coached by Heather Kirkland
Friendly v Frimley WF 26 April 2024
Winchester Walking Footballers hosted Frimley this week for a friendly fixture. Both clubs fielded two 7 a side teams.
The Winchester ‘Red’ Team went down 3-0 in the first game but came back strongly to win 2-1 in the second courtesy of a debut goal from John Mundy and a strike by Steve Nash to put the home team two up. Frimley pulled a goal back but Winchester held on for victory.
The Winchester ‘Blue’ team conceded an early goal in their first game but strikes from Phil Courtney & Eugene Wills secured a 2-1 victory for the hosts. In their second game Winchester ‘Blue’ were on the back foot for most of the match but well organised defending and inspired goalkeeping from Phil Courtney ensured the game ended goalless.
WFA National Cup Over 50s 1st round, Sunday, 21 April, 2024
Winchester 5, Eastleigh 1
Winchester Walking Football Club celebrated their third anniversary on Sunday, 21 April, with a 5-1 home victory against Eastleigh in the first round of the Walking Football Association (WFA) national knockout cup over 50s tournament.
Eastleigh opened the scoring with their initial attack in the first minute when Neil Graham shot from the right hand side.
Winchester steadily settled into the game and built momentum in a relatively even first period. Mark Pellegrini eventually equalised with a similar goal to make it all square before the 25 minute halftime break.
Winchester seized the initiative immediately after resumption when Barry Poffley tapped a free kick wide to Pellegrini on the left who fired home his second goal.
Phil Courtney and Mark Wilkinson had efforts turned away for corners before an Eastleigh defender strayed into the goal area and Pellegrini dispatched the resultant penalty on 31 minutes.
Dave Veal shot against the post for the visitors and Pellegrini again went close before another clinical finish to grab his fourth goal.
Eastleigh attempted to get back into the game, again hitting the post but also finding Winchester goalkeeper Martin Kukla in defiant mood, making a double save and also blocking shots with his feet.
Poffley increased Winchester’s lead when he intercepted and coolly slotted past the keeper to make the result 5-1.
Winchester squad: Martin Kukla, David Kirkby, Phil
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Winklebury Tournament 17 April 2024
Winchester Walking Footballers maintained their excellent tournament record by coming second in the Hampshire FA Walking Football Tournament at Winklebury on 17 April 2024. The Winchester over 60’s were undefeated and the highlight of the day was a 2 - 0 victory against Portsmouth.
Winchester squad Barry Poffley, Ian Dowson, John. Hall, Kevin Reed, Eugene Wills, Rick Parker & Mick Turner
Winchester 1 - Cove 1
Winchester were on the defensive for much of the opening game against the eventual tournament winners (and always competitive) Cove. However aided by good saves from keeper Barry Poffley the game remained scoreless until a Cove forward pounced on a rebound from a good save to put his team ahead. The new FA rule of conceding penalty for four ‘not walking’ offences came to our recuse with Cove rightly conceding a spot kick. Unlike the recent events in the Premier League there was no arguments over who was taking the kick. Poffley relinquished the keepers gloves to strike rescuing a point.
Winchester 2 Portsmouth IYC 0
A great performance against the favourites to win the tournament. Rick Parker scored a beauty from distance to put us one up. Kevin Reed then doubled our lead capitalising on some confusion in the Pompey defence to score his first competitive goal. There were two excellent save by Barry Poffley to keep a clean sheet and ensure a deserved victory
Winchester 0 Farnham Town Flares 0
Winchester found themselves on the defensive for most of this game. Kevin Reed took over goalkeeping duties and made two fine saves. Eugene Wills defended well under sustained pressure. In the second half Farnham hit the post twice but determined defending kept them at bay. John Hall almost stole it for Winchester but his low shot was narrowly wide.
Winchester 0 Tadley Statin Strollers 0
Winchester dominated this game from start to finish but were unable to beat the Tadley keeper who made several fine saves. Kevin Reed put Barry Poffley through but the keeper pushed the shot around the post. Despite numerous corners Winchester were unable to score with the keeper having an excellent game. Ian Dowson came close with two attempts in the second half but the game stayed goalless.
WFA National Cup Over 65s 1st round, Sunday, 7 April, 2024
Winchester 1, Bournemouth 3
Winchester lost their Walking Football Association Over 65s national knockout first round cuptie at home to Bournemouth 1-3 at the University Stadium on 7 April, with all the goals coming in the second half.
Play was fairly evenly contested in the blustery first half, Bournemouth’s Norman Hoff having two shots well saved by Kevin Reed and a couple of others blocked. Paul Wiseman hit the post for the hosts who also had other chances go wide.
Both teams made changes at half time, and for Winchester Wiseman swapped with Reed to become goalkeeper.
The second half continued competitively with both keepers making saves but Hoff finally made the breakthrough on 27 minutes with a shot from the centre of the goal to Wiseman’s right to give Bournemouth the lead.
Geoff Budden dived to his right to save a speculative shot from Eugene Wills before Winchester again made changes and Budden then tipped a Reed shot away for a corner. It was taken by Steve Byrne to Wills who passed on to Steve Nash for a great equaliser in the 30th minute.
A minute later Hoff restored the visitors’ lead with another goal from the middle as Wiseman was wrong-footed. Five minutes later Hoff completed his hat trick with yet another solid strike from through the middle.
Winchester: Kevin Reed, David Kirkby, Simon Davitt, Steve Nash, Rick Parker, John Hall, Eugene Wills, Paul Wiseman, Steve Byrne.
Bournemouth : Geoff Budden, George Hoy, John Baron, Norman Hoff, Bob Kitley, Dave Smith, John Blake, Andy Phillips.
Stoneham Tournament Wednesday 3 April 2024
Squad: Phil Courtney, Ian Dowson, David Kirkby (Capt), Martin Kukla (GK), Steve Nash, Mark Pellegrini, Barry Poffley, Mark Wilkinson.
We were placed in La Liga – 6 matches of 15 minutes duration each.
vs Bournemouth – Drew 0-0
This was a tight contest. Martin made a good save with his foot. Winchester created a couple of opportunities and probably had the edge overall.
vs Wyvern – Won 2-1
A great Winchester cross-field move found Mark W on the left whose clean volley found the far corner of the net. A second goal soon followed again from Mark W.
A close decision saw a penalty awarded to Wyvern which they converted well – but was it Martin’s momentum after his save that took him out of the area ? Overall the match featured many good passing moves from Winchester.
vs Hawks Originals – Drew 0-0
This was a game that Winchester dominated from start to finish. We created many opportunities but couldn’t score.
Late in the game a long ball up-field from Hawks required good defensive work from David as he blocked a shot from their centre forward.
vs Compton Greens – Drew 1-1
This was our toughest game against a strong Compton team. Compton scored early from a quickly taken free kick whilst the ref was explaining why he had given the foul. Mark P then had a shot that was well saved. In the second half Mark P clinically scored into the bottom left-hand corner. Compton dominated the last couple of minutes but good defensive work prevented any clear opportunities. Overall a draw was a fair result.
vs Southampton Strollers - Won 2-1
Three good saves from their goalie, plus a missed opportunity from Barry, kept the game goalless as half-time approached. Then a good Winchester move led to Mark W passing to Barry on the left edge of the area who tucked it away. Strollers retained the ball pretty well with their defence playing long passes up to their centre-forward who controlled the ball well. However, in the second half Barry intercepted a Strollers pass and was clean through on goal – he tucked the ball away into the bottom right-hand corner.
Late on Strollers won a free kick 12 yards out – they passed the ball out to the left and scored with a well-struck shot.
vs Gosport – Won 1-0
This game was reduced to 8 minutes as the tournament time was running out.
A move straight from the kick-off saw Mark P neatly scoring. Phil then had a shot tipped over by the Gosport keeper, and Mark P had a shot that curled just past the left-hand post. Winchester continued to dominate.
Played 6 – Won 3 – Drew 3 – Lost 0
Overall Compton won the league with 16 points – 5 wins and the draw against us. Winchester finished second (again !!) on 12 points.
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Winklebury Walking Football Tournament
Wednesday 20th March 2024
Squad: Steve Byrne, Simon Davitt (GK), Ian Dowson, David Kirkby (Capt), Martin Kukla (GK), Steve Nash, Barry Poffley, Kevin Reed (GK)
Only 5 teams this month as Gosport were a late withdrawal.
vs Cove WFC – Won 1-0
A couple of chances for Winchester, with Barry having an opportunity cutting in from the right. Cove opportunities kept to a minimum with fine defensive work. With one minute to go Steve N intercepted a defensive cross-field pass and neatly tucked away the winning goal.
vs Farnham Town Flares – Won 1-0
An early goal from Winchester coming from a short corner by Steve B to Barry who cut it back from the byline for Steve N to slot past the keeper. Then from good build-up play both Barry and Ian had one on one opportunities which the Farnham keeper did well to keep out.
Again solid defensive work co-ordinated by David meant Winchester were able to keep a clean sheet.
vs Pompey – Drew 2-2
Early on Ian passed to Martin whose left foot shot was well saved. Pompey then had a period of dominance either side of halftime – their first goal coming from a close range shot which went in off the post, and their second from a break down the right-hand side ending in a fierce strike on goal. Winchester then fought back – good move saw Steve N finding Martin who passed to Barry for a shot on goal – again saved by the keeper. Then halfway through the second-half Barry played in Martin who tucked the ball away with his left foot (2-1). Almost immediately afterwards a Pompey goalkeeping mistake rolled the ball to Martin on the left who struck a solid left-footed shot past the keeper at the near post (2-2).
Kevin then pulled off a good save at a crucial time. With two minutes to go a difference of opinion led to a player from each side being blue carded. Winchester had the final chance with a shot just wide from Steve N. Overall a draw was a fair result.
vs Tadley Statin Strollers – Drew 0-0
This was an incredible game. Winchester totally dominated and had about 15 chances on goal (too many to list !), but the Tadley keeper was in unbelievable form and certainly would have won any man of the match award. Then near the end Tadley broke, crossed to the left for a shot on goal which was well saved by Simon.
Played 4 – Won 2 – Drew 2 – Lost 0
Although a bit disappointing not to beat Tadley and potentially win the tournament, overall it was a great morning – undefeated and with 3 clean sheets.
Final Table
1.) Portsmouth 10 pts
2.) Winchester 8 pts
3.) Tadley 4 pts
4.) Cove 3 pts
5.)Farnham 3 pts
Friendly v Southampton Strollers - Friday 15th March 2024
We played two Seven-a-side games of 13 minutes each way. On a blustery morning, which culminated in a heavy downpour, our players acquitted themselves well and were always in contention against a physically tall and strong Strollers side who moved the ball around effectively and had the majority of possession. Who’s to say the results might not have been slightly different if we hadn’t had to lend the Strollers Ian Dowson and John Mundy, as two of their players had dropped out unexpectedly! We also used 4 different goalkeepers, whilst the Strollers had their regular ‘keeper.
Well done to Bill Farren-Price and Paul Wiseman who were making their Winchester WFC debuts. There were also first competitive appearances of 2024 for Sue Hume and Steve Byrne.
Match 1: Winchester 1 Strollers 2 (scorer Eugene W, assist Steve N)
Match 2: Winchester 2 Strollers 3 (scorers Eugene W, assist Steve N; Steve N, assist Steve B)
Squad: Fiona Willsher, Sue Hume, Kevin Reed, Eugene Wills, Steve Nash, Steve Byrne, Bill Farren-Price, Paul Wiseman.
Stoneham Walking Football Tournament - Wednesday 6 March 2024
Squad: Martin Kukla, Steve Lawson, Ian Dowson, Barry Poffley, Eugene Wills, David Kirkby, Fiona Willsher, John Hall.
Played 5 – Won 1 – Lost 3 – Drew 1
Gosport Walking - Drew 0-0
We had several good chances in the first half, including a cross field move to Barry who was denied a goal only by a good save by their keeper. In the second half Gosport improved requiring some good goalkeeping from Martin to keep Winchester in it. Winchester dominated the second half with several good chances, including a shot just wide from David, but the Gosport keeper kept the score at 0-0 at full time.
Bournemouth Reds – Lost 0-1
Winchester started well with shots just wide from Barry and John. Ian hit a shot against the post and Barry forced a good save from their keeper, but it was still 0-0 at half time. In the second half Winchester increased the pressure, with several free kicks and corners. The Bournemouth keeper made several saves including one shot from Ian that looked like a goal but the referee decided it was not over the goal line. Against the run of play a lucky break by Bournemouth resulted in a goal and it was 0-1 at full time.
Pompey ITC Whites – Lost 0-2
From an early free kick Pompey score with a shot that gave Steve, in goal, no chance. Pompey kept up the pressure, and good defending by us kept it at 0-1 at half time. Winchester improved and had shots off target from Mark and Barry. Fiona replaced Ian and had a good shot in the second half, but although Winchester are playing better and have more possession, it is Pompey that get the next goal from a free kick and an unstoppable shot. The game finished 0-2.
Farnham Town Flares – Lost 1-2
Winchester had early chances to go ahead but their keeper made some good saves. Ian attempted a long range shot but found the trees next to the motorway! Despite a lot of Winchester pressure, it was Farnham, from a rare breakaway, that got the first goal. Then, from a Farnham free kick in our half, Ian anticipated their move, intercepts the pass, and finds Martin unmarked by their area. He avoided their keeper and scored the equaliser, and to make it 1-1 at HT. Farnham applied a lot of pressure in the second half and scored their second goal. Winchester picked up the pace and dominated possession for the rest of the game but are unable to score. It remains at 1-2 at full time.
Hawks Originals – Won 2-1
After sustained pressure by Winchester and several good moves, Ian had a shot just off target and their keeper saves a good shot from Barry. Against the run of play Hawks scored first and it was 0-1 at half time. In the second half Winchester had even more possession and were rewarded when Barry passed to Ian to score. Soon after, Eugene became the provider for Barry to get the winner and it finished 2-1.
The weather was good. Although we did not get enough goals, we conceded only a few with solid defending. We dominated games with good possession for long spells. We created several good opportunities to score but good goalkeeping by the opposition and a lack of clinical finishing by us made the difference on the day.
PS: Air traffic control have located the ball from Ian’s shot.
Position
Team
1.) Pompey ITC Whites
2.) Farnham Town Flares
3.) Bournemouth Reds
4.) Hawks Originals
5.) Winchester
6.) Gosport Walking
Winklebury Tournament Wednesday 21st February 2024
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Squad: Simon Davitt (goalie), Ian Dowson, John Hall (goalie), David Kirkby (capt, goalie), Rick Parker, Barry Poffley (goalie), Kevin Reed (goalie), Eugene Wills.
Six teams participated in rain and windy conditions - the 5 matches were 14 minutes long with a short half-time break. Players were rotated both on the pitch and in goal.
Vs Cove 1-1
A great start from Winchester led to an early goal, Barry converting Kevin's fine through ball down the left-hand side. Cove equalised before half-time with a move also down the left-hand side. Few opportunities for either side in the second half.
Vs Pompey 1-2
Pompey went 2-0 up early on exploiting some gaps. Winchester fought back and in the second half Barry scored from the right-hand side, again after a fine pass from midfield. Good defending kept Pompey's chances to a minimum, and we felt unlucky to end up losing.
Vs Farnham Town 1-1
Another early goal conceded, but this time Winchester replied quickly. A sweeping move from the right to the left involving many players led to Eugene crossing the ball and Simon clinically finishing off the move. An even second-half was played out, but neither team created any clear cut chances.
Vs Tadley Statin Strollers 0-0.
Good passing moves throughout the game led to Winchester creating many opportunities but just couldn't convert them. In the final seconds Tadley hit a long shot which cannoned off the post - David in goal had it covered all the way.
Vs Gosport Yellows 1-0
Winchester had the vast majority of possession, creating chance after chance. Our defence was solid, with just one breakaway opportunity for Gosport which needed a good save to keep out. Then in the final minute Eugene danced/walked around both the keeper and the edge of the box, and slotted the ball into the empty net from an impossible angle.
So a very respectable outcome - Won 1, Drew 3, Lost 1. Well played to all of the squad who each individually contributed significantly. Our defence was solid and the midfield drove us forward particularly in the final two games.
Despite the weather it was very enjoyable.
Stoneham Tournament Wednesday 7 February 2024
Owing to our recent success we were elevated to league A. Our opponents were Bournemouth, Compton, Eastleigh Gold, Portsmouth ITC and Salisbury White.
Squad: Phil Courtney, Ian Dowson, David Kirkby (Capt), Martin Kukla (goalie), Steve Nash, Barry Poffley, Kevin Reed, Eugene Wills.
Winchester v Bournemouth
Very even game with Phil, Barry and Ian going close with shots that are saved or go agonisingly wide. Martin makes great save to keep it scoreless. Result 0-0
Winchester v Salisbury Whites
Salisbury start well hitting the post and eventually take the lead. However, Winchester come back Eugene has a free kick blocked and some clever play from Kevin and Barry ends in Steve grazing the post with a great shot. Phil showing clever footwork hits a shot just wide but it wasn’t to be. Result 0-1
Winchester v Eastleigh Gold
Cagey opening with Dave having to make some timely interceptions. Ian and Barry have the best of the chances but as in previous games they would just not go in. Result 0-0
Winchester v Portsmouth ITC
Barry pounces on a Pompey mistake and smashes the ball high into the Portsmouth net 1-0. At the other end, Martin makes a great save with his feet. Kevin and Barry combine well, the ball is slipped to Ian who dummies the keeper and slots it in 2-0. Winchester are now rampant making chance after chance. Ian hitting the post and Phil forcing a great save from their keeper. This was a great performance against a top side. Result 2-0
Winchester v Compton
Good start from Winchester, Steve swivels and hits a great shot that is saved by their keeper. Compton go 1-0 up against run of play. Martin saves again to keep it at 1-0.
Game is now end to end, next goal is all important. Good late pressure from Winchester but Compton run out winners. Result 0-1.
Good performance in a high class league. Most games could have gone either way, the width of a post or a save being the fine margin.
Won: 1. Drew: 2. Lost: 2