Demba Ba and Papisse Cisse Newcastle United
Collegiate Old Boys Over-35s, based in West Derby, have made a name for themselves in the Cheshire Vets League Premier Division. The team, which includes former Liverpool forward Emile Heskey and ex-Everton players Oumar Niasse and Joleon Lescott, recently competed against Wythenshawe in an away match. Co-managed by Andrew Kirkby and Paul Maguire, the team approached the game with enthusiasm rather than apprehension.
Andrew Kirkby said: “It was boss to be honest. We knew what we were up against – £133m of transfer money and just under 2,000 Premier League appearances. It was a great day. We are in the Cheshire veterans league and won the league last year. I think Wythenshawe were in division one or two. They won their league and the chairman knows Stephen Ireland (ex-Manchester City). He’s brought a couple of his mates in. It is mega.”
The match concluded with Wythenshawe securing a 6-2 victory, largely thanks to former Newcastle United forward Papiss Cisse, who scored all six goals. However, Kirkby emphasized that the scoreline did not accurately reflect the competitive nature of the match.
Andrew Kirkby said: “Although it was 6-2, the score line doesn’t reflect how the game went. We were winning 1-0 and had the chance to make it 2-0 but it was cleared off the line. Then we had a man sent off. It was a tall ask to get back into the game, but we had a good 15 minute spell later on and had the chance to make it 4-3. If it was 11 v 11, it would have been a close encounter.”
Despite the loss, the atmosphere off the pitch remained friendly, with players from both teams enjoying a post-match pint together.
Andrew Kirkby said: “We had a pint with all the lads after the game. I had a chat with Stephen Ireland, he was a really nice fella. Niasse played too. They’re all ex-pros and there’s nowhere else for them to play. This is the only venue they can do it and they’ve jumped at the opportunity. They’re now top and three points ahead of us in the league but we’ve got the return match.”
Collegiate Old Boys, one of Liverpool’s oldest teams, was founded in 1909 and also competes in the Liverpool Football League. Kirkby and Maguire have been instrumental in maintaining the club’s legacy, emphasizing the importance of grassroots football for mental health and community engagement.
Andrew Kirkby said: “We’re a good little club. Now we’ve built the team taking on people from the Premier League. It’s good for people’s mental health, it keeps people ticking over. The only downside of grassroots football is the costs to keep it going, it’s unreal. Not everyone can be there all the time. We’re always looking for a sponsor. I’ve got a normal warehouse job. I do the training on Saturday and manage on Sundays. They all enjoyed the game. They didn’t realise how good we are.”
As the league progresses, Collegiate Old Boys remain determined to challenge for the top spot, with a return match against Wythenshawe eagerly anticipated.
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