Following the fantastic start to the season the Old Boltonians had achieved in winning seven consecutive games, they were now in the midst of a minor slump, having not won in three. The pressure was now on and it was time for the players to step up and be counted. The opponents for this weekend’s game were Bury GSOB who, considering their high standards of recent seasons, had started the season poorly and were languishing near the foot of the table. The conditions for the game were typical for this time of year as an ice cold wind nipped at the ears of the players from both teams. But armed with Deep Heat and Fiery Jack, the Old Boltonians had all the equipment they needed to fight the detrimental effect of the weather.

Old Boltonians Captain Craig Jolley continued his 100% coin toss loss record thus far this season and it was the job of the Old Boltonians to face the strong wind first. The tactics of Bury GSOB were apparent from the first whistle as they attempted to utilise the wind by pumping a series of long balls into the middle of the pitch for their taller players to contest. However, the midfield powerhouse of Matt McClellan and Dave Owen were not going to be pushed aside and made them work hard for every ball. The Old Boltonians defence, including the recalled Marcus Gavin and Sam Hancock, coped admirably with the wind assisted attacks from Bury GSOB and keeper Anthony Duffy had little to keep him interested. However, despite this comfort, there was little in the way of attacking prowess being shown by the Old Boltonians. There was little composure being shown on the ball and not a chance worthy of note was created. An unsurprising half-time scoreline of 0-0 resulted.

The second half was the antithesis of the first half from the Old Boltonians perspective, as the confidence of the early season came back into their play. The ball was kept under control and passed successfully with a greater regularity and Bury GSOB were still not allowed the privilege of a shot on goal. However, there were still too few chances being created and the Bury GSOB keeper that had been noticeably uncomfortable in the warm up has still not been tested. This all changed thanks to a powerful strike from Kieran Walsh. A free-kick from all of 40 yards was struck directly into the goal in fine style to mark Walsh’s return to the Old Boltonians starting line-up.

The lead was soon doubled courtesy of Centre Half Robin Myers. Myers pushed into an advanced midfield role for this part of the game found himself in the oppositions penalty area. Despite an attempted pass, the ball stuck under the feet of the ‘duck out of water’ Myers. Myers then trod on the ball and stumbled a couple of yards into the penalty area towards the dead ball line. The Bury GSOB defender, having been slipped a considerable bribe by Myers, decided to slowly walk by the side of him and allow Myers to regain his feet after the earlier comical stumble. In typical defensive style Myers then tried to play for time and play the ball into the corner. However, Myers sliced his pass and the ball conveniently flew into the bottom corner of the net. Unsubstantiated rumours state that the ball may have taken a deflection off a Bury GSOB defender and therefore the goal may be re-categorised as an own goal.

Final score. 2-0. A good second half display provided the platform for the Old Boltonians to consolidate their place at the top of the table.