It had only been three weeks since the Old Boltonians had suffered a humiliating league defeat against mid-table stalwarts Failsworth Dynamos and the memories were still engrained in the conscious of the Old Boltonians ' players. This coupled with a home and away defeat in the previous season, meant that the Old Boltonians had a lot to prove going into the weekend's game, which saw them pitched against their bogey team again. The Old Boltonians team was reorganised slightly, as Jon Burrows was given a chance at right back, Alex Meany on the left wing and Saul Rostron on the right of midfield.

The Old Boltonians started the game well. They were obviously bang up for the game and immediately pressed Failsworth back into their own half. After three minutes of pressure, the Old Boltonians were ahead. A corner was forced on the right, which was swung in by Alex Meany. James Kinsler, goal machine extraordinaire, found himself free again at the back post and met the cross with his head only a matter of yards out from goal. The ball found its way into the net after taking at least four deflections en route. There are rumblings that that the goal is not rightly Kinsler"s and should be awarded as an o.g. One for the dubious goals panel.

Following such a promising start, the Old Boltonians should have taken a strangle hold on the game and dominated. However, the first half became a much tighter affair with Failsworth possibly just edging it. The Old Boltonians defended well and have Anthony Duffy to thank for a couple of exceptional saves that preserved their lead going into the half-time interval.

The second half was an equally tight affair; not an inch was given, as both teams struggled to get on top. Gradually the Old Boltonians began to gain control and forced a second goal with 20 minutes remaining in the game. Matt McCllelan scoring another with a neat finish from inside the penalty area. The Old Boltonians were not dominating the game, but looked comfortable and more than capable of coping with all that Failsworth could throw at them. Five minutes later, Failsworth were back in the game, as the striker that had been marshalled well by James Kinsler all day, found a yard’s space and struck an arrow of a shot into the corner of the goal. 2-1.

That was as good as it got for Failsworth, as Old Boltonians carved out the better chances in the reminder of the game. Some glorious chances were missed to put the game behind Failsworth, but were unconverted. However, the 2-1 scoreline was enough to record another important victory for the Old Boltonians and cement their position at the top of the table, with a game in hand.