COMPETITIVE WALKING football returned to the region last week when Gala Fairydean Rovers welcomed Tweeddale to the Netherdale 3G Arena for a friendly.

The sport was suspended last March due to the pandemic but both teams recently retuned to local sessions played in line with Government restrictions.

The highly competitive match ended goalless with both sides having ‘goals’ disallowed for running and foul play.

Former Hibs’ captain Gordon Rae who plays regularly with Gala thought he had scored with a trademark thunderbolt which struck the underside of the bar and bounced either on or behind the goal line but the lack of technology meant that the ‘goal’ was not given.

After the final whistle, both goalkeepers, Jim Ramsey of Peebles and Paul Bertram of Gala were jointly named ‘man of the match’ winners.

Bobby Craigie of Tweeddale who helped organise the match along with John Webster of Gala told the Border Telegraph: " I'd like to thank Gala for a hard, competitive game. It's good to play other teams. We hope that in the near future Gala will come up to us for a return match."

Craig Douglas of Gala added: "It was really good to play in a game against another team. Training matches with the lads are OK but it's great to play against different players"

Gala committee member and stalwart midfielder John Dickson added: “ Overall the day was deemed a great success and was enjoyed by both sets of players.

“Walking Football sessions Netherdale takes place on Mondays and Thursdays at 2pm. Anyone 50 or over is welcome. It is a great way to get or keep fit and meet people. The only requirements are football boots.”

Tweeddale are also looking for new members Tweedvale Walking Football. They play every Friday 2.30pm-4pm Peebles Drill Hall/Whitestone Park and Wednesday 6pm-7pm Cardrona Hotel Pitch. All welcome, no restrictions on ability