Having faced some daunting opposition in the previous weeks, the Old Boltonians were to engage in the first of four games where less than three points would be unacceptable. Bolton Lads Club were the opponents for todays game that was to be played in Chapeltown.
Immediately the Old Boltonians began to play in a confident manner; stroking the ball around well and keeping possession competently. This was in part due to the lethargic nature of the Lads Club performance and their inability to put any pressure on the Old Bolt in possession. Inevitably, the opening goal came from the Old Boltonians. A fine passing movement emanating from Rob Gamble at Left Back involving all of the back four allowed Rick Mcllellan to put a fine cross inot the penalty area to allow his sibling, Matt, to score the opening goal of the game. 1-0. The remainder of the half produced much of the same. Old Boltonians dominated the game and Lads Club failed to register an attempt on goal.
The Old Boltonians domination continued in the second half, but this was now converted into goals. Robert Taylor took advantage of some sloppy goalkeeping to double the lead from a matter of yards. Michael Platt converted a corner with his head to score his first goal....ever. And Darren Dalton marked his return to the first team squad to fire a fine low shot past the sprawling keeper.
The Old Boltonians had to play the last 20 minutes of the game with 10 men as Anthony Duffy suffered a shoulder injury and had to leave the pitch, after the Old Boltonians had already made their three substitutions. However, stand-in goalkeeper Robon Myers had little to do and the game was very comfortably won, 4-0.