A grey, overcast sky loomed over the players of Old Boltonians as they arrived at the hallowed ground on the back of a 3-2 defeat to a sub standard Little Lever side just seven days earlier.

With this bitter memory still fresh in mind, and mid-week defensive tactics discussed, the squad were aiming to regroup and come out fighting against a confident Old Mancunians side that arrived off a 4-1 victory over Chew Moor Brook.

With preparations made, warm-ups done and mid week tactics discussed, it was finally time for the off. However the Old Bolts looked as though they were still in the changing rooms. Sloppy passing and poor support play were the order of the day as the first XI were left bewildered as Old Mancs got in amongst them. As they searched to correct the mistakes, which were apparent from the side line, an unfortunate and costly error was made as James Kinsler was caught in possession at the back. Snatching the ball from the Kinsler the forward found himself clean through, bearing down on the Bolts goal. Keeping a cool head he slotted neatly past the Bolts keeper into the bottom left, 1-0.

Although playing poorly the Bolts were not out of the game completely. They did manage to apply some pressure on the visitors defence which at times left gaps which should have been exploited more successfully. As well as their open play shortcomings, the Bolts failed to compete effectively for a handful of corners which they won and were unable to convert a couple of good chances to draw level. The most notable of the opportunities fell to Matt McLellan who found himself through but under pressure after a nice bit of link up play with Daz Dalton and some tidy footwork. The resulting snap shot was too close to the keeper who deflected the ball out of play for another corner. 

The game at this stage seemed to be evening out with the Bolts finally starting to wake up and get into their stride. As is the case in the wonderful game it was at this point that it all went pear shaped. Ten minutes from the half time whistle the Old Bolts were subjected to moderate pressure in the form of back to back Mancs corner kicks. The first set piece was dealt with effectively and tipped out at the back post resulting in the second corner kick being awarded. With complete disregard for how the first ball was dealt with, the second ball in was met with what can only be described as school boy errors. The low ball played in was not dealt with at the front post and deflected off a wayward Old Bolt shin. This resulted in the ball firing through the crowd in the box where it was met at the back post by the on-rushing Mancs centre half. The Bolts looked around in disbelief as the defender wheeled away howling in triumph, 2-0.

Questions had to be cast as to how the ageing player left his marker, (who to this day has not been identified cough… cough…), and waltzed through the middle of four Old Bolts to finish in the six yard box.

Ten minutes later a disappointed Old Bolts trudged from the field of play to what would surely be a boot up the backside in the changing rooms.

After some kind words of encouragement in the changing rooms, at the restart the Old Bolts had adopted a changed of formation (to 4-4-2), as well as a change of attitude. The passing was greatly improved and chances started to come. The Old Mancs sensing a renewed effort seemed happy to put their men behind the ball and look for their speedy left winger as an outlet which proved mostly fruitless.

Unfortunately, although the Old Bolts dominated the second half and should have brought back the two goal deficit, it just wasn’t their day. A number of good chances were spurned as they showed how they can really play when their minds are on the task. The game remained at 2-0 to the final whistle and sounded a second straight defeat for the title challengers. The players as well as the management were left frustrated as they failed; once again, to create the slick form of football they know they can produce from the start. If they are to go for league glory this year they quickly need to sort out their act and approach games in a focused manner instead of going behind before they kick into gear. Only time will tell how costly these poor performances will be to their title challenge.