Harrogate Strays Over 70's start Division Three unbeaten

Harrogate Strays Over 70s walking football team made a strong statement on their GMWFL Division Three debut at Heywood - collecting 10 points from 12, scoring four goals and keeping four clean sheets.

Fresh from an unbeaten promotion season, the Strays showed they can compete at the higher level, helped by new signing John Sanders and a disciplined, organised team performance throughout the day.

They opened with a 1–0 win over fellow promoted side Curzon Ashton, thanks to a sharp finish from Tony Breslin, who went on to score all four Strays goals.

A clinical 2–0 victory over Airbus Buccaneers followed, before a superb tactical display earned a 1–0 win against Division Two relegated Panthers WFC.

The only frustration came in a dominant 0–0 draw with Burnley Clarets, where an inspired goalkeeper denied the Strays repeatedly—including a late penalty and a last‑kick free‑kick.

Manager Derek Rowe praised the squad’s discipline, fitness and collective effort, calling it “an outstanding start” to life in Division Three.

Squad: Paul Rogers (GK), David Sparrow, Mike Pyle (Captain), Paddy Keightley, Val Wawrosz, Derek Rowe, Tony Breslin, John “Ted” Sanders