Clear blue skies. Glorious sunshine. A nice cooling breeze. None of these
conditions were prevalent as the Old Boltonians fought against the terrible
weather conditions, as well as Bolton Wyresdale, for three valuable LAL
Premier League points. This game did not produce champagne football; more a
battle between an Old Boltonians team desperate not to drop any points and
Wyresdale, who had failed to collect any points from their opening three
games.

Wyresdale lined up with a packed five man midfield and a lone striker and
showed infrequent attacking ambition in a dour first half. The Old
Boltonians struggled to find any room in a packed middle section of the
pitch and were resorting to longer balls to the well marshalled forward
line of Rob Taylor and Darren Dalton. Numerous set pieces peppered the
Wyresdale penalty area, but the finishing touches could not be applied. An
uneventful first half drew to a close with the score 0-0.

The game needed a goal to spark it into life and sure enough this was
provided within minutes of the re-start. However, against the run of play,
it was Wyresdale who took the lead with their first shot of the game. Some
neat interplay preceded a headed flick into the penalty area, which found a
Wyresdale midfielder with time and space. He found the corner of the net.
0-1.

The response from the Old Boltonians was instant. The tempo of their game
was raised and greater attacking impetus resulted. Alex Meany, a product of
the Old Boltonians youth academy, took the pitch as a substitute and made
an immediate impact. The Wyresdale 'keeper was guilty of handball metres
outside the area and was lucky to not see red. Meany stepped up to take the
free-kick and powered it into the bottom left corner of the goal. 1-1.

Playing like this, it was only a matter of time until the Old Boltonians
took the lead. It was. Approximately 7 minutes. A low ball into the box
from the right wing was collected by Matt McCllelan facing away from goal
and 8 yards out. M. McCllelan turned quicker than a Man U fan after a few
bad results and unleashed a shot on goal. The ball rocketed through the air
with a deafening roar as the sound barrier was broken.... and then tricked
over the line. 2-1. Notorious net burster M.McCllelan relieved not to
receive another expensive bill for an onion bag.

The lead was increased to 3-1 through Rick McCllelan who rammed the ball
into the corner of the net after a penalty area scramble. R. McCllelan's
whoops for joy were heard as far away as Kuala Lumpar, as the winger opened
his account for the season.

A victory?...yes. Three points?.....yes. 100% record?....yes. Title
contenders?.... the jury is still out.