The long anticipated 3rd round LAL cup game between Old Boltonians and Howe Bridge Mills took place this week with both teams looking to progress to the quarter final with a favourable home tie awaiting the victors. The faltering Old Boltonians had to be the firm favourites as, despite their recent poor run of form, they are joint top of the Premier League and good value for it. Whereas Howe Bridge Mills reside in Division 1, although are amongst the league leaders and look like securing promotion to the LAL's elite next season. Being the first mid-week evening kick off of this season, it was essential that the game was started as early as possible to ensure that the game would not be played out in the dark. Consequently, as soon as the teams were stripped and ready, the referee"s whistle blew.
The Old Boltonians started the game well. The confidence that had been lacking in recent games seemed to have returned and the ball was being stroked around nicely. Their ethic of getting the ball down from the back and keeping passes short was more evident and there were less instances of surrendering possession through long, hopeful punts. This said, Howe Bridge did not start the game badly; they were efficient in the challenge, harassed the Old Boltonians in possession and showed no lack of skill or composure on the ball. The first half was played at a high tempo with both teams looking to break the deadlock, but the strength of each, respective defence were the victors, as the score remained 0-0 at half-time. But, the Old Boltonians could, arguably, be happier with their start to the game, with Kieran Walsh and Matt McCllelan’s putting in particularly impressive displays.
The second half of the game was definitely not one for the neutral, and even less of one for an Old Boltonians fan. From the kick off Howe Bridge forced the Old Boltonians back into their own half. Howe Bridge weren’t dominant in terms of possession, but territorially they had the upper hand. Old Boltonians were the initiators of this switch in dominance by adopting a tactic of hitting the ball aerially and consistently to their defence that were physically strong and authoritative. In hindsight, the Old Boltonians should have stuck with their passing game and kept the ball on the deck, but in practice this didn’t occur. However, Howe Bridge could not turn their territorial advantage into goals and the game ended 0-0.
Due to the fading light and the fixture congestion, the decision had been made to take the game straight to penalties in the event of a draw. The five brave Old Boltonians that volunteered to carry the weight of the team were Kieran Walsh, Anthony Duffy, Josh Melling, Paul Wheatcroft and Rob Taylor. So the lottery commenced:
Captain Craig Jolley produced his first contribution of note to the game, won the toss and decided that Old Boltonians were to take the first penalty:
First, stepped up Kieran Walsh…….top left corner - emphatic. 1-0.
First Howe Bridge – 1-1.
Second, Anthony Duffy…….superb penalty, a screamer into the top right corner – 2-1.
Second Howe Bridge – A quality save Duffy, he guessed correctly and produced the goods – 2-1.
Third, Josh Melling…..cool as you like; bottom left, keeper sent the wrong way – 3-1.
Third Howe Bridge – 3-2.
Fourth, Paul Wheatcroft……..keeper sent the wrong way, somewhat of a bum drag, but GOAL – 4-2.
Fourth Howe Bridge – 4-3.
Final penalty, Rob Taylor steps up to face his destiny. He begins the long walk to the spot. Is he limping? No just gangster. Place the ball on the spot. The keeper looks like he’s having a fit on his line; he can’t keep still. A small run up – just two steps. Like an arrow into the top right corner of the net. 5-3 and the Old Boltonians are victorious.
A special mention should go to the Howe Bridge team that were gracious in the most heart-breaking of defeats. Full credit to them.