Lincolnshire Vets football team have been crowned the Over 60 National Cup champions. 

There's been a remarkable resurgence by the older generation back into physical activity in Lincolnshire, with walking football very much at the forefront, but 11-a-side vets running football is a format that is developing all over the country. This has been equally important for those looking to reap the mental, physical and social benefits of football, and volunteers in Lincolnshire are helping lead the way!

Match Report

Lincolnshire Vets Over 60 v Southend Vets Over 60

Many will say the game of the day on Sunday 19^th November was the 4-4 draw between Chelsea & Man City, but if they had been at Kirby Muxloe then they may have changed their minds as Lincolnshire Veterans Over 60 Team beat Southend Vets in a toughly fought contest.

The Greens took a while to settle but once they had, they took control of the game for long periods and had numerous opportunities to score - but largely due to some great goalkeeping by the Southend keeper - it was 0-0 at half time.

No immediate changes to a side that was dominating in the second half, and the Greens continued to press until they were caught out by a long ball. Tony was adjudged to have fouled the attacker and a penalty was awarded, seeing Southend take the lead. However, when the going gets tough, the tough get going and Lincolnshire Vets soon equalised.

But 1-1 doesn't win games, and time was fast running out and it was here where manager Kerry Bampton earnt his corn with a touch of tactical genius. As the opponents started to make their substitutions in readiness for the penalty shoot-out, Kerry sent on two more strikers. First Alan Green to disrupt the opponents centre back and Roy Gladwell to pull the left back out of place in one last roll of the dice.

Tosh Bates collected the ball and through the gap slotted an inch perfect pass which Dave Scotney was onto like a flash and he coolly, as he's done a million times in his career, slotted home past the keeper.

Just time for one last attack from Southend but it was cleared and the final whistle heralded that Lincolnshire Over 60 Vets FC were National Champions.

“Not only do we have in Lincolnshire a very successful over 50 side, we are the new National over 60 Cup champions” said Steve Morgon, chair of Kesteven Community FC.

“We have also played over 70 sides with great success. The only slight difference to traditional football is that it’s rolling subs. Here in Lincolnshire, we now have over 90 members playing teams from all over the country. The 2024 National Cup will be even bigger and better with over 26 teams from Plymouth to Manchester showing interest.

We also have eight players now in their respective national teams. So, if you’re not quite ready to give up on your footballing dream, please call us on 07547 6433454 or follow our Facebook Page – Kesteven Community FC."

Lincolnshire FA would like to congratulate Lincolnshire Vets for their recent success in the Over 60 National Cup competition.