Significant press attention covered the first round LAL 1st XI cup game between the Old Boltonians and Bolton Wyresdale, as the holders began their campaign to retain the trophy. An excellent pitch greeted the players for this game that promised to be a tight affair involving the high flying Old Boltonians and the in-form Wyresdale.
The Old Boltonians spent much of the warm-up prancing around on the pitch in underwear as the local paparazzi snapped them in uncompromising positions, which was neither pretty nor ideal preparation for the game, but was necessary for the good of the club.
The Old Boltonians started the game very slowly. Wyresdale were well on top and dominated the early exchanges. It was apparent from the start that Wyresdale had a primary tactic that they looked for at every opportunity; a direct ball over the top of the Old Boltonians defence for their pacey striker to run on to. Although their tactics were somewhat one dimensional, they were very effective, as the Old Boltonians conceded chances at first, and then goals. Another long punt by Wyresdale found the striker with space on the right wing, just inside the Old Boltonians half. Against all sensible thought, defender Craig Jolley dived in for the ball and the striker skipped past him with ease. With such pace he wasn't going to be caught and got to the by-line, before passing well into the box for an on-rushing midfielder to place the ball in the gaping goal. 0-1.
Moments later, the lead was doubled. Wyresdale won a corner and filled the box with attacking players. The Old Boltonians had every player marked and felt confident of successfully handling the attack. However, a Wyresdale midfielder 'ghosted" forward from the centre circle, with a neon flashing sign on his head and a siren emanating from his crotch, but the Old Boltonians failed to pick him up. The corner was passed to the midfielder on the edge of the box and he slammed the ball into the goal. 0-2. The score remained the same until the referee blew for half-time; the Old Boltonians had not been in the game and were looking shell-shocked.
When the game recommenced for the second half, an immediate change was visible. The Old Boltonians were no longer resting on their laurels and began to attack Wyresdale in order to get back into the game. After a period of prolonged pressure, the Old Boltonians finally got a well deserved goal. Matt McCllelan received the ball on the right side of the box and floated a cross to the back post. Darren Dalton peeled off his marker and volleyed first time into the corner of the net. Great finish with excellent technique. 1-2.
The Old Boltonians pushed on again. They were now getting more space in the middle of midfield where Wyresdale dominated in the first half and the Old Boltonians began to dictate the play. After another period of possession, Alex Meany crossed into the box to the far post where Jon Burrows met it with a header. Burrows got a poor connection as the ball spooned off the top of his header. However, the Old Boltonians got a slice of luck as the ball looped over the stranded goalkeeper and into the corner of the net. 2-2. Game on.
The lead should have been claimed a matter of minutes later, as Darren Dalton was felled in the box. David Owen stepped up and looked calm under the pressure. His feet didn’t seem to match his demeanour, as he shinned the ball well wide to ensure that the Old Boltonians had missed three of their four penalties awarded to them so far this season. Would this be costly? It appeared not, as the lead was finally claimed courtesy of a 35-yard free-kick from Alex Meany. 3-2.
The Old Boltonians, had a couple of scares, and Anthony Duffy was responsible for some excellent saves to maintain the lead, but in the closing minutes of the game, the Old Boltonians looked as though they would hold on comfortably for the win. With the last kick of the game, this thought was countered, as following a goal-line scramble, Wyresdale somehow got an equaliser. Heartbreak for the Old Boltonians. 3-3. Extra-time.
The Old Boltonians dominated every second of both halves of extra-time. Wyresdale were hanging out for penalties and showed no attacking thoughts at all. However, the Old Boltonians left it late to claim an, eventually deserved, victory. A corner form Alex Meany was met by Darren Dalton with a strong glancing header into the corner of the goal. 4-3. Exhausted celebrations followed. The game was a tight affair and again highlights the Old Boltonians fighting spirit. But they really need to start performing better in the first half of games; as strong second half performances cannot pull them through every time.