National Cup semi-finals for Ladies’ walking football team

MELKSHAM Walking Football Club’s over 40s ladies’ team reached the semi-final of the Walking Football Association’s Women’s National Cup in Nottingham. 

The team competed in the tournament which brings the best club teams together following regional qualifying rounds. 

“In the group rounds, Melksham were successful in beating Cheshunt, Exeter, Northampton and Sleaford only losing to Birmingham to finish second in the group and qualifying for the semi-finals,” said chairman, Russell Hillier. 

“This success saw Melksham in very prestigious and indeed humbling company in the semi-finals with Melksham vs Bolton and Liverpool vs Birmingham. 

“Melksham fought hard to keep it to 0-0 at half time but eventually lost to 2-0 to Bolton, the eventual winners, in a very hard-fought game. 

“This remarkable result is further compounded by the fact that two players had never played football before taking up walking football and two others had not played competitive football before starting walking football four years ago. Plus due to injuries and availability, we only had six players available for the six-a-side tournament so had no substitutes. 

“The success of this team is not all about skills (although they are there in abundance); it is about the positive attitude and great understanding of the basic principles of small-sided football. 

“The team were all incredible and did Melksham proud! Congratulations; Karen Broadhead (captain/manager); Sam Butter (goalkeeper); Helen Redshaw; Lia Painter; Lisa Lane; Sharon Copeland.

“With all of the success the ladies have achieved, we are looking for a sponsor to assist with the purchase of training kit and also the transport to events. If anyone is interested please contact me, Russell Hillier, at melkshamwf@gmail.com”