Rossendale Res 3 Old Bolts Res 0
A mass exodus of Bolts to the Ski slopes of Europe and an ever growing injury list for both the 1st and 2nd teams left Reserve team manager Chris Neasham scratching around on Saturday morning just to make up a bare 11.
The shortage of players was to be the downfall for the Reserves against a well organised Rossendale outfit.
With many players not having played since before Christmas it was no surprise that Bolts started slowly and after failing to clear a corner the ball fell to the Rossendale winger who drove home a fine finish off the far post to give them the lead. 1-0.
Bolts rallied and created a couple of half chances for Ryan Hardwidge but then came the defining moment of the game as a well worked move came to the feet of James Chadwick who under pressure from the defender failed to finish a great chance. However worse was to come as the tackle made on Chaddy damaged his knee ligaments and he was unable to carry on, leaving the Reserves down to 10 men for the next 75 minutes.
It was Backs against the wall time as Rossendale pushed hard to finish off Bolts but through dogged defending from Chris Hulton, Tom Benson, Vinny Hulton and Neil Davies they managed to keep them at bay.
Ten minutes before half time Rossendale all but finished the game off as a contest as a free kick on the edge of the box was deflected into his own goal by Neash to leave Bolts just fighting to keep the score respectable. To give credit though Bolts pushed to get back in the game and created a couple of half chances but Neash fired over twice.
Rossendale won a penalty just before half time as Killer Kilburn took the phrase man and ball literally but Flapper Hopkins pulled off a fantastic save to keep Bolts just about in the game.
Half time 2-0 and still to kick up hill against the wind in the 2nd half it was odds on that Rossendale would run up a cricket score and in previous years this may have been the case but this team dug in with a "Though shalt not pass attitude" literally in Rick Kilburn's case!!
Bolts fought for every ball as if their lives depended on it and Rossendale continued to be frustrated as they could find no way through the stubborn defence, in fact it was Bolts on the break with Wes Wright and Ryan Hardwidge that looked the more threatening and but for a good save from the keeper Bolts could have been back in it.
With time running out Rossendale scored an undeserved 3rd goal and the game was over.
The Bolts players can hold their heads up high after this game and the spirit in the dressing room was one that felt like a victory after the effort that all players put in and if they carry on with that effort until the end of the season they will win more than they lose.
MOM - The Team - Dave Hopkins, Tom Benson, Chris Hulton, Neil Davies, Vinny Hulton, Rick Kilburn, James Gray, Chris Neasham, Wes Wright, Ryan Hardwidge, James Chadwick.