Old Boltonians 1st XI vs Chaddertonians 1st XI
6th February Match Report
Looking to bounce back from a disappointing result against Old Mancs, a revitalised Old Boltonians team gathered up at Chapeltown on a crisp (bloody cold to say the least) winter morning to take on a Chaddertonians team looking to topple the league leaders.
After the warms up were concluded and a generous amount of fiery jack was applied it was time to get the game underway. In the opening stages both teams put on a tentative display for the loyal spectators who had made their way up to the ground. With neither side seemingly able to get a grip of the game some sloppy possession and less than meaningful shots were the single item worthy of report. With the temperature the only thing that was raising this looked like it could be a 0-0 winter classic.
However after the frozen joints started to thaw the old bolts started to slowly get on top of their opposition. Their retention of the ball improved and a few neat moves started to appear. Notable efforts were made with Matt Macllelan, striker for the day, attempting to lob an on rushing keeper from the edge of the box which narrowly went wide and midfielder Darwen missing a glorious headed chance in the box from a pin point Robin Myers cross.
Whilst maintaining this period of pressure the Bolts finally got their breakthrough, the result of a surging run to the edge of the opponents box from central midfielder Saul Rostron, who released a driven ball across the box (shot…cough…cough) for Interleague striker Darren Dalton to guide home. 1-0 to the home side.
It would have seemed that the Bolts would kick on from this however in true Bolts unpredictable style the passing game ceased, allowing Chads to pick up more possession of the ball. With increased time it was now the visitors who started to play the ball around nicely with some well constructed moves releasing their wingers who attacked with purpose. One such move led to the right winger crossing a peach of a ball only for the left winger to crash the ball off the woodwork with his head. It didn't end there, a second scare came from a near range free kick which required a spectacular diving save from the Bolts keeper to hold on to the lead.
These scares would only serve as an appetiser to the main course as moments later following a quick counter attack the ball was cleared by Bolts centre half James Kinsler to a lone midfielder approximately twenty five yards from goal. Both Bolts central midfielders had tracked back into the box with the break, leaving the player with copious amounts of time to chest the ball down and hit a half volley over the keeper with a looping shot. The score remained level as the half time whistle sounded shortly after with both teams trudging from the field feeling they should be in front.
In the dressing room a few words of encouragement from the management at half time left the Bolts with no questions as to what was needed for the second forty five. More commitment and effort were the order of the day and the lads did not disappoint. Although Chads were not out of the game the Bolts began to press once again with a number of corners in succession. A couple of good chances were created from these but unfortunately none were converted.
With another one in the pipeline it seemed as though another goal was coming however, from a swift clearance the Chads strike force broke quickly from their own half. Moving the ball swiftly between them they were in the Bolts half in a flash and slotted through one of their strikers who managed to slip through the Bolts solid defensive net as they were overrun.
Although he must have been cold his reactions were not, and upon seeing the danger the Bolts keeper sprung from his line like a coiled cobra waiting to strike. By the time the striker raised his eyes Will Tatlow was upon him and saved the reaction shot to force a corner. An outstanding piece of goal keeping it has to be said.
Following this the Bolts regained their composure and began to chip away at the opposition forcing a few saves from the Chads shot stopper. Another corner ensued with a matter of minutes left in the game. Could this be the telling moment for the Bolts? You bet.
Striding forward from the depths of defence James (Kinny) Kinsler made his way into the box. Following a contested header the ball fell to Kinny on the edge of the six yard box. His instinctive strike forced a good save from the keeper who could only redirect the ball back towards the player"s feet. There would be no mistake second time around. With the keeper on the floor Kinny lashed home the ball to give the Bolts the lead in the dying moments. Queue rapturous applause from the by now slightly frost bitten Bolts faithful.
As the time drained away Chads mounted one last spate of which the consistently solid back four repelled to see the game out and send Old Bolts five points clear at the top.
In the end it was a hard fought game between two committed sides which could have gone either way. The Old Bolts must now move on and look to improve their game in the coming fixtures to continue to push for league glory. Halfway through the season it has to be said that they are sitting in a nice position but can they keep a hold of their position at the top? Only time will tell.