The Old Boltonians came into this last game of the LAL League season
against Old Blackburnians with nothing to play for. It was a physically
impossibility to change league position for either team. The Old Boltonians
had an imminent cup final to think of and with that in mind, manager Simon
Shields rested seven of the starting line up that had comprehensively
defeated Old Blackburnians three days earlier. Nevertheless, a strong Old
Boltonians line-up took to the pitch for the start of the game.

The game was played at a low tempo throughout. There was a lot of huffing
and puffing by both teams, but little in the way of chances. The deadlock
was broken courtesy of a set-piece and undoubtedly was the Old Boltonians
goal of the season. Kieran Walsh, who has been in good form of late, rifled
the ball into the apex of the goal with supreme accuracy. 1-0.

That, unfortunately, was as good as it got for the bolts. Old Blackburnians
forced their way back into the game through a penalty conversion. It was
subsequent to some sloppy Old Boltonians defending and was probably just.
Old Blackburnians then continued their habit of scoring goals late in the
half, as they took the lead with seconds remaining in the first half.
Debatable marking from another set-piece allowed their Captain to score
following an unattractive scramble in the box. 1-2.
The second half saw an Old Blackburnians player sent off for foul and
abusive language and a second penalty missed by Old Blackburnians. The Old
Boltonians had the better of the half thanks to the player advantage, but
despite a couple of late chances, didn't significantly threaten the Old
Blackburnians goal. The game finished at 1-2, but there are bigger fish to
fry as the Final at the Leyland County Stadium on 06/05/2009 promises to
bring the first trophy won by the Old Boltonians for a few years.