A biased referee, short-sighted linesmen, an unplayable pitch and atrocious
weather conditions. These are all excuses I would love to reel out for the
latest result in the Old Boltonians charge for the LAL Premier League
title. But alas the reason behind the result was inadequacy from both the
players and the management. Failsworth Dynamos have acquitted themselves
with distinction thus far in their inaugural season in the premier league
and were also the only team to inflict a league defeat on the Old
Boltonians. So the Old Boltonians would have every reason to approach this
game with even more desire than usual...revenge.

A novel formation was adopted for the start of the game with the
intent to cause Failsworth problems and take advantage of their leaky
defence. However, the surplus of attack minded players on the pitch
resulted in a dearth in midfield solidity. The result was a first half
possessionally dominated by Failsworth. The flanks of the pitch were
redundant of Old Boltonians personnel and the Failsworth wingers were
allowed the freedom of Oldham to dictate the game. This said the Old
Boltonians should have gone into the half-time break ahead. Craig Jolley,
Rob Taylor and Matt McCllelan missed guilt edged chances that on a
different day would have nestled in the onion bag. Failsworth, for all
their possession, created few chances, but were a goal to the good at the
interval thanks to a good strike from distance.

The Old Boltonians felt that the game was still there to be won. This was
not over yet. They reverted back to their usual formation of 4-4-2 and
immediately became the game aggressors. It was not long until the scores
were equal, James Kinsler won a strong far post header from a corner and
knocked the ball down into the path of the impressive and now fit Paul
Wheatcroft, who reacted first in the box to turn the ball in from close
range. This should have been the catalyst for the Old Boltonians to turn
the screw and defeat the creaking Failsworth side. What followed was not
part of the script.

After some initial attacking from the Old Boltonains attack, the Failsworth
midfield were again allowed to get a grip of the game. However, as is
normal in an Old boltonians display, few chances were being created by the
opposition. If there is one thing to take out of the game, this was
highlighted as the Old Boltonians fell behind. A Failsworth forward struck
a hopeful shot from distance that flew magnificently into the corner of the
net. He wouldn't score that again if he hit it ten more times, but it made
it eminently clear that the Old Boltonians reluctance to strike at goal was
a major spot on their copy book. Perhaps this needs to be addressed in the
coming weeks.

The Old Boltonains began to desperately chase the game, but for all their
huffing and puffing, failed to provide significant encouragement that an
equaliser was coming. With the last kick of the game, the Failsworth attack
made an incisive break on the outnumbered Old Boltonians defence and
managed to bundle home a third goal from close range. It meant that the
scoreline was somewhat flattening  for Failsworh, but the result was
unquestionably deserved. Back to the drawing board.