Old Blackburnians 2 Old Boltonians 3

After the important victory on the previous Saturday, Old Boltonians faced Old Blackburnians who were riding high at the top of the top of the table on an equal amount of points as the Old Boltonians. This game was undoubtedly one for the neutral – spectacular goals, last ditch saves and sending’s off - it had it all.

The Old Boltonians started the game slowly, possibly trying to become accustomed to the pitch and conditions, but most likely that they were waiting for the excesses from the previous night to wear off! However, in this period Old Blackburnians scored the opening goal, with some slack defending that saw the Centre Forward slipped clean through and finish nicely. Old Boltonians responded immediately when a superb left foot volley from the edge of the box was powered home by David Owen. 1-1.

In a matter of minutes the deficit that the Old Boltonians had faced was turned into a winning position, with Kieran Walsh scoring the goal of the game. A corner form the right was taken short and knocked back to Kieran about 25 yards from goal. His left foot strike left the keeper with no chance as the ball flew into the top corner of the net. 2-1. Before half-time the game was again thrown into the balance when Old Blackburnians forced an equaliser from an incisive and quick counter-attack. 2-2.

The second half was dominated by Old Boltonians, with a large amount of possession, but their dominance not being converted into meaningful chances. In fact the best chance of the half fell to Old Blackburnians. Their Centre Forward was put clean through by a ridiculously wayward pass from a left back that shall remain nameless. However, if ever there was a moment for Anthony Duffy to prove his worth to the team this was it. A superb double save, which would not have been out of place in a professional game, kept Old Boltonians in the game and the scores level.

Old Blackburnians then proceeded to inexplicably lose their heads with two sending’s off in close succession. This swung the advantage heavily in the Old Boltonians favour, but time was running short. Finally, with minutes to go, Marcus Gavin forced home a low hit corner from a yard out to seal the victory for the Old Boltonians and send them three points clear at the top of the table. 3-2.