01/02/2026
Stu’s Views
Pennington Veterans vs Wrexham (Wrecsam) Military Veterans
Well… it finally happened. After weeks of weather, WhatsApp rumours and opposition mysteriously vanishing into thin air, Pennington Veterans actually got on a pitch ⚽️
And not just any opposition either — the outstanding lads from Wrexham Military Veterans FC.
So yeah… basically an international fixture, FIFA rankings pending 👀😂
To their absolute credit, the Wrexham lads travelled over with 48 hours’ notice, patched a squad together, and even had one hero nip into Sports Direct for a pair of boots just to make sure the game went ahead. Turned up with 12, full respect from the off. We offered a couple of our subs to help them out if needed (a decision they probably questioned later on…).
From the first whistle it was exactly what we expected — proper men’s football. All ex-military, no backing down, no shirking tackles, no nonsense. Early doors it was cat and mouse, both sides feeling each other out and adjusting to the pitch.
We started to find our rhythm, creating chances, but the ball just refused to go in. Either rushed finishes or their keeper channelling prime Neville Southall (drug test pending).
Eventually the barricade was broken from a set piece — Ste Brown ghosting in at the back post to volley home with perfect timing. More chances followed at both ends before the “goal” from Bucky…
Actually no — let’s be honest — absolute bobbler, ricocheted around like a pinball and we’re fairly sure the final touch came off a very unlucky Wrexham defender. Bucky will still claim it. We won’t.
With Bucky clearly saving himself for something else, Lee Atherton decided enough was enough and, after several “that’ll do” attempts, produced a ridiculous 20-yard lob that kissed the net on the way down. Unreal finish.
Nice moment too seeing Pagey, our resident Santa’s little helper, back out there in the blue and black.
3–0 at half time.
Second half we shuffled things around again and really started to take our chances. The goals came thick and fast:
• Lee Atherton added another three (four on the day) — ruthless and could’ve had more if he wasn’t being unselfish.
• Dom Shinks bagged a hat-trick plus an assist… including a header.
Still under investigation whether it counts as a perfect hat-trick — clarification requested, Shinksy.
• Sharpey, back from injury, popped up exactly where strikers live — 0.1-yard tap-in, clinical.
• Jimmy Fillingham, skipper for the day, rolled back the years with a classy finish.
• Karl “the gaffer” Atherton did what he always does — cut inside, bend it far corner, keeper absolutely no chance.
But the goal of the day?
Saved till last.
Ste Ellerby — usually our calm, Mr-Cool right back — decided to audition for a new position at right forward. Controlled the ball, set himself, and absolutely thundered a volley past a stranded keeper. Most Premier League keepers wouldn’t have seen it, never mind saved it.
Now, scoreline aside, this needs saying loudly:
Huge respect to Wrexham Military Veterans.
Minimal notice. Minimal numbers. Maximum heart. They never stopped, never moaned, and played the game exactly how it should be played. Absolute top lads, and we’ll 100% be taking them up on their invite to head down to Wrexham in the summer for a return game — with a few beers afterwards 🍻.
Big thanks as well to Bobby, who came down snapping photos yet again and somehow always manages to make us look half decent.
⭐ Special Mentions
• Christian Cox – Outstanding on his first start and home debut. Looked right at home and chipped in with 3 assists to earn a well-deserved Man of the Match.
• Kris Carter – Solid as a rock in the CDM role, guarding the back four like an XL guard dog. 2 assists to go with it.
• Lee Atherton – 4 goals after a long spell without a game. Sharp, composed, quality finishes.
• Dom Shinks – 3 goals and an assist, plus a header… still checking the perfect hat trick situation
A massive thank you to our sponsors and everyone at Pennington Veterans FC for the continued support.
On the pitch, off the pitch — proper football club, proper people 💙🖤
Boiler Base UK Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group EntryTec Locksmiths Wigan Roofing and Building Solutions BTC Photography Boiler Base UKrBolton Wanderers Remembrance GroupnEntryTec LocksmithsWigan Roofing and Building SolutionsBTC PhotographyLucy Ogden Sport Rehabilitator/ MSK TherapistPennington FC
