Champions vs Champions elect. This was the tag assigned to this top of the table clash that would promise to test the Old Boltonians to their limits.

Rossendale Amateurs are a strong side and were looking to avenge their defeat to the Old Boltonians in the first half of the season.

The Old Boltonians set up with a solid side, with the limitations caused by injuries in previous weeks, a distant memory. Rossendale looked to have come for a victory, as they started with an attacking line up, using a

4-3-3 formation. The match started as it was to finish, with two equally matched sides taking part in an epic battle. The contest was to be won in the midfield areas of the pitch, with both defences resolute and keeping chances to a minimum. Rossendale struck first blood in the game. The Old Boltonians were outdone by a neat passing movement that culminated into a neat cross into the box. The striker badly miscued his attempt at goal, but his luckily placed striking teammate was on hand to put the ball into the empty net from three yards. Not an ideal start.

The Old Boltonians management acted quickly and effectively to match the Rossendale midfield with a three man midfield of Dave Owen, Matt McClellan and MOM Josh Melling. Each man was assigned an opponent to mark, as the Old Boltonians backed their players to more than match up to the Rossendale midfield on a one vs one basis. The early territorial and possessional advantage gained through the Rossendale domination in midfield was immediately eroded, as the Old Boltonians got a stranglehold on the game.

This domination was typified by the sacrificial role played by McClellan who, "didn't play well, didn't do anything, his team-mates thought he didn't do anything, but he did.". Great praise indeed from our eloquent leader.

Parity was restored in the game through a moment of brilliance as Darren Dalton took a moment to step down from his pedestal to score a nonchalant goal. Goalkeeper, Anthony Duffy, struck a fine, searching ball from his own half, which was flicked on by CrouchTaylor into the path of Dalton. Instant one touch control was followed by a sublime chip from 25-yards, as Dalton spotted the impressive Rossendale keeper prematurely creeping from his line. An early contender for goal of the season, but undoubtedly centre-half Jolley will come up with a few goals to challenge that claim later on in the season.

The Old Boltonians remained on top for the remainder of the second half and should have increased their lead. Dave Owen missed a fantastic chance following a strong run forward and Nick Luke struck a post from a free kick. But the score remained 1-1 at half-time.

The second half, although still attractive to watch, did not produce any chances worthy of note. The two teams cancelled each other out and the game drifted to a stalemate. The final score was a fair result of 1-1. A strong team display, rewarded with a well deserved point.