Harrogate Veterans FC

The Harrogate Veterans line up for a team photograph Photograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance

The Harrogate manager Paul Bell motivates his players ahead of kick-off Photograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance

Bell talks tactics with his players before the match Photograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance

Preparations continue in the dressing room Photograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance

Amateur sides can get thirsty Photograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance

The Veterans still know a few tricks Photograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance

Spectators make their way to the pitchside, taking care to avoid the cricket square of course Photograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance

Harrogate's opponents Bardsey, a Yorkshire village side, open the scoring in the first half Photograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance

The Harrogate goalkeeper retrieves the ball from the brook behind one of the goals Photograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance

The away side look to get a head on the ball Photograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance

The wet weather and awful pitch fail to deter the Veterans Photograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance

A Brazil shirt signed by Pele in the club bar Photograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance

They'll get muddy enough without them Photograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance