HARLOW Town Pirates Walking Football Club (formerly, Paringdon Pirates) compete in the Mens Essex Walking Football League (Summer League) at Over 60’s, Over 65’s and Over 70’s levels.

On Tuesday 15th the Over 60’s attended the second match day of the season at Billericay FC with three fixtures lined up against Chelmsford Clarets, Cheshunt and Beacon Hill.

The squad was (as in photo): top left; Martyn Reynolds, Steve Fletcher, Andy Devonshire. Damien Devine, bottom left; Steve Pardoe, Mal McNeill, Ben King, Bill Vint, Jim O’Sullivan (Capt). Manager: Steve Barnes (not shown).

The Pirates were put on the back foot early on against the Clarets as they failed to pick up a loose player and were punished. They quickly settled into a more competitive rhythm and were rewarded with a penalty against the Clarets persistent running. This was dispatched in fine form by Jim O’Sullivan. The game finished as a one all draw which was a fair result.

Cheshunt are acknowledged as one of the strongest teams in the league and beat the Over 60’s Pirates in last year’s cup final. The Pirates were up for the challange with Martyn Reynolds hitting the post early on but Chestunt replied with a goal and went in 1 nil up at half time. The second half saw very competitive football with Steve Fletcher missing out on a one on one with their keeper. Cheshunt replied again with a quality goal and went on win a penalty which Bill Vint tipped around the post for the save of the day. The Pirates lost 2 nil in a game where they created chances but couldn’t finish.

The final fixture was versus Beacon Hill, new boys to the league who have already made a strong impression. The Pirates started with a strong passing rhythm and put immediate pressure on the opposition. This resulted in a walking Penalty for the Pirates which was dispatched again by Jim O’Sullivan into the top right corner. Damien Devine put the Pirates two- nil up just before half time.

Beacon Hill came out very strong in the second half and showed their quality. Chances at both ends with the opposition pulling one back. A very tense conclusion to this game with the Pirates soaking up pressure until the final minute when Beacon Hill scored from a free kick just outside the box. Disappointment for the pirates but on reflection they had competed well against arguably the better teams in the league.

Harlow Town Walking Football Club are always welcoming new players of all standards (Men over 50 and ladies over 30). Check out our website:
www.paringdonpirates.gov.uk