Old Boltonians 3 Rochdale St Clements 1
The Old Boltonians 1st XI went marching on with a comprehensive and comfortable victory against an above average Rochdale St Clements team to maintain their 100% start to the season. An impressive crowd was in attendance to see the Old Boltonians dominate their opponents almost from start to finish and cement their position at the top of the table.
The Old Boltonians were quick starters in this game and immediately began to test the resolution of the Rochdale defence. Robert Taylor and Paul Wheatcroft looked menacing up front and were being well supported by the attacking wingplay of Kieran Walsh and Ryan Ferris. The breakthrough was almost inevitable and the excitable crowd didn't have to wait long to celebrate the first goal from their heroes on the pitch. Matt McClellan showed great commitment to close down the Rochdale defence deep inside their own half and caused a sloppy clearance, which was blocked by the central midfield maestro. The ball rebounded favourably into the path of the goal machine Paul Wheatcroft, who side-stepped the goalkeeper before nonchalantly walking the ball into the net. 1-0.
The second goal came shortly after some neat attacking football from the Old Boltonians. The move culminated in a through ball for David Owen from James Kinsler that matched his lung bursting forward run. The VC kept his composure to place a perfect pass across the goal to present Ryan Ferris with an opportunity to add to his tally for the season and he duly obliged. 2-0. The Old Boltonians were flying and threatened to turn this into a rout. However, in similar manner to recent games, the Old Boltonians took their foot off the pedal and allowed the game to drift to half-time without a change in the score.
The second half should have presented the Old Boltonians with an opportunity to send a message to the rest of the league that they are a force to be reckoned with, but they appeared happy to sit on the lead they had already developed. Rochdale were allowed to come into the game a little more and had more possession than previously. However, the in form Old Boltonians defence, that has only conceded 3 goals in 6 games so far this year, of Craig Jolley, Robin Myers, James Kinsler and Sam Hancock impressively rebuffed any potential goal threat from Rochdale.
The game was successfully put to bed with 15 minutes remaining in the game, when Marcus Gavin produced a moment of brilliance by beating three men on the right wing before slotting a beautifully weighted through ball to Nick Luke down the left. Nick provided a good low cross for Rob Taylor to slot home at the near post. 3-0.
Unfortunately, Rochdale managed to force an undeserved late consolation goal to make the score 3-1 and prevent the Old Boltonians keeping a clean sheet for the fourth time this year. However, three points in the bag was a successful return from the days work.