Harlow Town Pirates Walking Football Club (formerly Paringdon Pirates) Men’s Essex Walking Football League Over 60’s (Summer  Mid-Week League). 

League Cup at Billericay FC, Tuesday 15^th July. 

The annual League Cup throws all 18 teams across 2 Divisions into 4 qualifying groups. The Pirates were drawn against Chelmsford Clarets, Southend, Billericay Blue and Eastwood Blue. All Division 1 opponents. The top 2 teams qualify to the Semi-Finals day in October. Last year the Pirates won through to the final losing in a rain soaked final to Cheshunt.

Match Squad: Jim O’Sullivan (Capt), Bill Vint (GK), Martyn Reynolds, Steve Pardoe, Andy Hampshire, Ben King, Damien Devine, Mal McNeill, Marko Jergic. Steve Barnes (Manager).

Results: Lost 1 v 0 versus Chelmsford; Drew 1 v 1 with Southend; Lost 1 v 0 to Billericay; Won 1 v 0 versus Eastwood.

Another hot day at Billericay. Four tough draws including against two top sides in Division 1. The Pirates ultimately missing a top 2 finish resulting in elimination.

Game one versus Chelmsford was always going to be tight and highly competitive. The pirates were on the front foot in the first half moving the ball into attacking positions very effectively but failing to score. Chelmsford were much more aggressive in the second half with more ball possession, but that resulted in 3 running (non-walking!) offences allowing a penalty award to the Pirates. Unfortunately, the ball was struck wide. The reverse then occurred with the Pirates clocking up the dreaded Running offences and conceding a penalty which was converted. Another defeat on tight margins.

Game two saw the Pirates up against Southend who we had always enjoyed competitive league games. Southend scored first against the run of play which motivated the Pirates to push on. Jim O’Sullivan, our playmaker Captain, broke clear a few yards out from goal and was cynically fouled. The rules in this code state that if a foul is committed against a goal scoring opportunity, then a penalty should be awarded. We only got a free kick. This incident was dealt with well by the lads as they turned frustration into consistent pressure. The result was great close ball play from Marko to create space for a signature rocket shot…. the goalie had no chance. The Pirates pushed on looking for a winner but time ran out.

Game three was against Billericay the highest ranked team in our draw. The Pirates now knew that they needed to pick up points to qualify and this showed in their determination. What unfolded was the most competitive and close game of the day with very few clear chances from either side. A lot of close making and tense positional play. The game was heading for a nil nil draw with 30 seconds to go, when the Pirates won a free kick 5 meters out. The kick was rushed and fell to an opposition player who moved the ball swiftly up field to feed a colleague who finished clinically. Sick as a Pirates Parrot.

Game four and a must win if the Pirates were to have the slimmest of qualification chances. It was a hot day and some of the 9-man squad had played all three previous games so this was going to be a challenge for both sides. The Pirates took the initiative and looked the better side, but Eastwood were very well organized in defense. They were constantly attacking the ball too aggressively which finally resulted in a Penalty to the Pirates that was dispatched as another Marko Rocket. Not for faint hearted goalkeepers. The Pirates showed sensible game management to get this win over the line.

Unfortunately, the Pirates did not do enough to win qualification; 7 points required at least to be competitive. But another great day at Billericay and a lot fun in the sun.

The Pirates Player of the Day this time goes Marko Jergic for his lightening brace.

Walking football has fundamentally different rules: 6 a-side, no overhead, no tackling and no running. It is therefore is a non-contact, accurate, ball to feet, tactical game which is a lot of fun. Harlow Town Walking Football Club is always welcoming new players of all standards. Men over 50 and ladies over 30. We have competitive teams across genders and ages but that is only part of the club. We have players at all levels; some never having played football since school (!) or others never before. We meet at Harlow Town Football Club in the Pinnacles every Monday at 5pm and Friday at Noon. The sessions are only £4. (first session is free). Feel free to join us or come along and watch a session.  Rubber studded boots are required.

Check us out on:

www.harlowtownpirates.org.uk