ENGLAND OVER-75s 0, GERMANY Over-75s 0
(England won 3-2 on penalties)
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Alan Kumrou ensured there was penalty shootout joy rather than the customary heartbreak for England against Germany.
Kumrou, who became an apprentice under legendary Pensioners’ boss Dave Sexton, saved two spot kicks as England Over-75s defeated their German counterparts after the game had ended goalless.
The match at Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park was organised to take place 60 years to the day and to the exact minute that England played West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final.
And Kumrou admitted he was an unlikely hero of England’s triumph when they received a replica of the original 1966 trophy.
“Ten days ago, I was on crutches as didn’t think I would play as I had gout and could barely walk,” he explained.
Kumrou, who made one reserve-team appearance for Chelsea, had his career ended aged 16 by a back injury which became arthritic.
But Kumrou, who is still working aged 75 for a Chessington-based graphics company, recently was reacquainted with his past life.
He explained: “Alice, a new employee where I work, told me her grandfather had been involved in football.
“It turned out he was Dave Sexton so nearly 60 years later I found myself working with his granddaughter.”
Kumrou, who played local amateur football after leaving Chelsea, has played for England at Over-65, 70 and 75 level.
“This was my fourth match for the Over-75 and a fourth clean sheet which I am delighted with.”
Appearing alongside Kumrou was legendary radio presenter Mike Sweeney, 78, who played semi-pro football for Droylsden, Hyde United, Salford City and Irlam.
Sweeney, who is still broadcasting on BBC Radio Manchester, explained that it was special that the game was hosted by Oldham Athletic.
“It has a place in my heart as I played and trained with the first team for five years when Joe Royle was manager,” he said.
“I was in my late thirties but regularly played for the reserves.”
Sweeney, who still plays football a couple of times a week, described the match as “tense” as they were desperate to bring home the bacon for England.
The oldest player in the England team was John Farrington, who will be aged 82 in August. He played a high standard of semi-pro football in the Athenian League and Isthmian League as well as having spells in the USA and Australia.
Radio presenter and England Over-75s player Mike Sweeney
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher awarded Germany an early penalty, but Klaus-Jurgen Wolf’s spot kick struck a post and Herman Jungsthofel’s follow-up effort brought a flying save from Kumrou.
England had to wait until the 79th minute before having their first goal attempt on target from skipper Geoff Martel and late on Tony Platman and Mickey Warwick went close to snatching a winner.
In the shootout, Germany missed three of their five penalties – two were saved by Kumrou and the other rolled wide.