The Flare’s Over-50 team beat both Chelsea and Dorking to collect six points.
Farnham Flares, Farnham Town’s walking football team, turned in three top class performances in their second set of Surrey FA Walking Football League matches on Tuesday, walking away with six well-earned points from the three games played.
Kicking off against Chelsea, the Flares embraced the opportunity to play attacking football, and were rewarded when Sam Harness turned his man to open the scoring. After Paul McGlade had hit the post, Rich Price added a second from a tap in. And, although Chelsea did pull a goal back late on, Farnham always had enough in hand to withstand Chelsea pressure and take the spoils.
Next up were Godalming, a quality team that have handed the Farnham Flares some absolute hammerings in previous meetings.
This time, the Farnham team deployed different tactics, with two defenders and a ‘False 9’ aiming to contain and frustrate the more polished Godalming players, and they so nearly paid off. Unfortunately, the Flares were ultimately undone by a contentious penalty. Although Godalming were themselves forced to see out the game as Farnham changed tack and pressed for an equaliser.
Finally, the Farnham Flares faced Dorking, a team they had already beaten in the first round of league matches last month.
For the full fifteen minutes, the Flares controlled the game, creating chance after chance, but just couldn’t find the final touch. Then, with the tie seemingly set for a goalless draw, Farnham’s Chris Pennall hit a screamer that was past the ‘keeper before he’d moved.
Two wins, six points and three great displays, made possible by the support of Flares’ sponsor, Farnham coffee shop, Coffee Diem.
Andy Stedman, Head of Walking Football at Farnham Town, was understandably delighted with the results.
“This is only our first season, so it’s a fantastic achievement to be able to put out an Over 50s team that can complete with the likes of Chelsea and AFC Wimbledon. Next season we’re also looking to put out an Over 60s team, so new players are always welcome”.
“But that’s not all we’re about. Farnham Flares is a community club, open to anyone over 35, whether you’ve been a regular local league player, are returning from injury, or haven’t played since school and simply want some exercise and the chance to socialise”.
If you’re over 35 and fancy joining the Farnham Flares, simply come along to one of our Tuesday evening sessions at Weydon School in Farnham or contact walkers@ftfconline.com. Sessions kick off at 6:00pm and your first one is ABSOLUTELY FREE!