09/06/2026
Salisbury Walking Football entered 2 teams into the Wiltshire over 65's League at Green Lane, Devizes on Thu 4 Jun 26.
The SALISBURY REDS started the second round of matches in second place, 2 points behind Highworth who they didn’t play last time out and 2 points ahead of third placed Swindon.
Their target was not to lose to Highworth (TICK), not to lose to Swindon (TICK) and then with our superior goal difference to try and pick up 2 more points than Highworth (READ ON).
In the first match against Highworth we stuck steadfastly to our defensive duties and held out to the last seconds of the match when George Ryan stuck a leg out to block a shot on the goal line and got a gentle nudge from their striker causing him to stumble into the box to concede a penalty. Fortunately we had the superb Chris Brown in goal who saved the penalty which was the last kick of the game. Final score a 0-0 draw job done!
Next up were Swindon and again a great defensive team effort and some great saves from Chris B in goal earned us another 0-0 draw - job done again. (Highworth also drew their second match 0-0 with Salisbury Whites - so a big thank you to them!)
Third up were Melksham and this time we had a bit more freedom to move forward into attacking positions. Mark Potts intercepted a ball and glided forward to slot home the first. Dean McMillan played a ball through to Chris Patching to score the second. Dean M smashed a shot from range against the crossbar and then played a great ball through for Mark P to score his second goal. Final score a 3-0 win. (Highworth beat Calne 2-0 in their third match.)
Our fourth match was against Calne. Off to a great start. Bob Nadin smashed a shot against the post. Steve Jackson tried a shot from distance. Mark P had a shot which hit the post and it rebounded out to Dean M who slotted it away. 1-0. Later on Mark P played a lovely ball through for Dean M to score his second. A Groundhog moment nearly occurred when Mark P blocked a shot, but this time the deflection flew safely outside the post rather than into our goal like it did last month! Final score a 2-0 win.
(Highworth drew with Trowbridge 0-0 in their fourth match.)
Going in to our last match we were top of the league on goal difference as follows:
Salisbury Reds - Played 9, Points 19, GD +11
Swindon - Played 9, Points 19, GD +9
Highworth - Played 9, Points 19, GD +7
Trowbridge were our last opponents of the day and we completely dominated the game with 7 or 8 shots on goal all saved, blocked or just missing the target, restricting them to one long range shot that Chris B saved with his head!
Highworth won their last match against Swindon 2-0 so we ended the day still in second place and still two points behind Highworth with the mighty Trowbridge getting 0-0 draws against both of us.
However, after two rounds of matches we remain unbeaten, have scored 12 goals and only conceded 1 thanks in no small part to Chris Brown’s excellent 5 out of 5 clean sheets today and another great all round effort and performance from all seven in the squad, who were: Chris Brown (G), Steve Jackson (D), Bob Nadin (D & F), George Ryan (LM), Mark Potts (CM) 2 goals, 1 assist, Chris Patching (RM) 1 goal, Dean McMillan (F) 2 goals, 2 assists.
The SALISBURY WHITES started later in the day with a bye and were consequently quite drenched by the time they hit the pitch. Their first match against Highworth ended in a credible draw, with a steadfast defence frustrating the league leaders.
Trowbridge were next up and in a tight game we created chances but a combination of heavy rain and very slippy surface allowed one of their few shots to slip through Rob Nicholls close to the final whistle. With Rob N at the back and Chris Davey-McLean up front the passing game was good, but we felt robbed at the final whistle.
Swindon followed and we were well beaten 2-0. Missing a penalty didn't help as it could have levelled it to 1 all, however, we let it slip when we gave away a penalty for stepping in the area.
Melksham followed and we were much the stronger team and dominated the game. A great passing move from Paul Daniel in defence to Chris D-M allowed a killer pass through to the overlapping Paul Brewer to score a great goal. 1-0.
Last game was against Calne and an even game with Rob Sheppard at the back holding up and frustrating a very good centre forward, however, one turn and a shot late on changed another evenly balanced game. A 1-0 defeat
Given the horrible conditions it was not the easiest day but comfort from some great passing and moves and well over a dozen strong chances forcing great goalkeeping and unlucky shooting. A great all round effort and performance from all eight in the squad who were: Rob Nicholls (G), Ken Hardy, Paul Brewer, 1 goal, Dean Cresswell, Chris Davey-McLean, Paul Daniel, Rob Sheppard, Andy Jackson
Latest League Table attached.
