By Peter Clarke
BANGOR’S walking footballers have enjoyed success this summer, winning the Aged Friendly Cup in Coleraine and reaching the final in Carrickfergus, but the 24-hour charity walkathon at Clandeboye Park this weekend will be their biggest challenge yet.
The Seasiders were worthy tournament winners in the North West, with victories over
Ballycastle, Ballymoney and Coleraine, but they almost came unstuck in a nervy 2-2 draw with Limavady, where a Sam Sittlington double spared their blushes.
A trio of Northern Ireland internationals, Ray Hunter, Colin Booth and Roy Hawthorne,
showed their defensive quality and experience at the event, while midfielders Maurice Mackey and Gordon Currie created many scoring opportunities with pinpoint passing.
Reaching the final in Carrickfergus was even more impressive, as Colin Booth’s troops drew with Scottish visitors Solway Strollers and beat Shankill, Carryduff, Crusaders, Carrick and Larne, with player of the year Paul Corken working tirelessly in midfield.
The Seasiders survived a penalty shoot-out against topnotch side Scrabo Strollers in the semi-finals, before pitting their skills against Scottish outfit Glenafton in the decider.
Eddie Clarke (2), Roy Hawthorne (2) and Leslie Irvine (1) all found the net during the day,
but former Irish League midfielder John Steele stole the show with six well-taken goals throughout the marathon tournament.
When Steele opened the scoring in the final, it looked as though the Seasiders may cause an
upset. However, former Kilmarnock forward Chris Fleming had different ideas, hitting a quickfire hat-trick to ensure the Ayrshire side claimed the trophy.
Bangor’s recent success can be attributed, in no small part, to goalkeeper Peter Ross, who has been simply magnificent against top-class opposition, producing numerous breathtaking saves.
The Walking Footballers always have a busy social calendar, and the summer months have seen them stage a very successful darts night, an historic tour of Newtownards and walks at Scrabo and Whitehead.
Raising funds for charities is very high on their agenda, which is why they will take on their sternest challenge to date – the 24-hour walkathon- from 6pm on Sunday until 6pm on Monday.
The 24-hour walkathon around the Clandeboye Park pitch is aimed at raising vital funds for the British Heart Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK.
