It was the boys from the North who have been celebrating on Friday as they completed as slim victors on this yr’s Wonderful Losers recreation.
Almost 40 males from up and down the MAN v FAT group got here collectively on the dwelling of Leyton Orient for the 2025 fixture, with Steve Coppell and Brian McDermott within the dugouts to information the lads by their afternoon.
Everybody taking part had misplaced a minimum of 30% of their body weight, with seven of the fellows concerned having surpassed 40% misplaced throughout their time with MAN v FAT.
Having been launched to one another in crew WhatsApp teams main as much as the massive match, there was already a robust crew spirit for the 2 sides forward of kick-off and that bond confirmed on the pitch too, with a fluid and aggressive 90 minutes with each groups taking part in some spectacular soccer.
The primary three targets within the recreation all got here from distance, as the standard of finishes matched the play that preceded it.
Isle of Wight’s Ray Richardson had already cannoned a shot again off the submit early within the recreation earlier than the impasse was damaged on the half hour mark by Bournemouth’s Matt Waterman, who let fly from exterior of the field to make it 1-0.
The South’s lead was to final simply 4 minutes as one other lengthy vary effort squared issues up.
Warrington’s Harrison Devine, who was to be named XIs Participant of the Yr on the MAN v FAT Awards the following day, took purpose and noticed his shot squirm dwelling previous the keeper.
The North virtually took the lead earlier than half time as Dylan Painter, who additionally picked up silverware on Saturday as 2025’s Wonderful Loser was denied by a incredible save.
And the South acquired their noses in entrance simply after half time as Richardson made up for his earlier disappointment by slotting dwelling to make it 2-1 on 48 minutes.
The 2 groups traded possibilities and intervals of dominance, however it regarded just like the victory would possibly go to McDermott’s southern gamers.
The North have been to not be denied, although, and shocked their opponents with a quickfire double simply after the 80 minute mark.
First Bury’s Terry Smith whipped in a ball from the proper that caught out the keeper to degree issues up, earlier than Josh Heys from Bolton grabbed a winner with six minutes to go.
Coppell’s males then held agency for the rest of the sport to make sure that bragging rights went to the northern boys!
Because of all that participated within the recreation, the family and friends that attended and to Leyton Orient for internet hosting us.
