Veteran puts commemoration first

16 Nov 2016 By David Watters

Ex-Irish Ranger Pete Murphy delayed his trip home to Ireland at the weekend to be the guest of honour at Trafford on Saturday as fans, players and officials around the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League remembered the nation's fallen.

Officials at Shawe View say they were "honoured" to have the veteran at their second qualifying round clash in the Buildbase FA Trophy as the EVO-STIK NPL's clubs marked Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday by observing a minute's silence before kicking off in their league and cup fixtures at the weekend.

The retired Ranger is pictured alongside Mickleover Sports captain Tom Burgin, assistant referee Tim Hammond, referee Jon Kenny, assistant referee Oliver Nolan and Trafford skipper Josh Granite before the British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who've made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts since World War One were remembered.

A spokesman for the EVO-STIK NPL First Division North club said: "We were honoured to have Pete Murphy as our guest to help us in our Remembrance weekend commemorations. An ex Irish Ranger, he served from 1984 to 1990 in Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Cyprus, Gibraltar and Germany and delayed his journey to Ireland to be with us on Saturday.

Trafford's players pay their respects

"Pete led the two teams on to the pitch, joined them in the centre circle and led us in our minute’s silence when we remembered with gratitude all those brave men and women who have served their country in war and conflict and in times of peace - especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live in freedom."

Images courtesy of Trafford FC, Dave Birt & Barrie Scholes

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Chasetown's players line up to pay their respects at the home of the world's oldest club Sheffield FC

Warrington's players stand together in silence before kicking off against Rushall Olympic at Cantilever Park

Where next?

Millers named as new NPLFA club The NPL Football Academy's coaches and tutors are getting ready to welcome the youngsters at a twelfth EVO-STIK Northern Premier club into their ranks next season.

Congratulations to our flag-bearers! Congratulations to Stourbridge on keeping the flag proudly flying for the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League in the Emirates FA Cup on Monday night with a 3-0 win over Whitehawk.