Old Bolts Res   4 Rochdale St Clem  2

At the morning pitch inspection the hope was for the rain to stay away until after the game had finished, however as always seems to be the way the rain came just on kick off - and Sh1t did it rain!!!

Bolts started the game brightly and pushed forward from the start, creating good opportunities that they just failed to take, the lively Cris Beardall and Ross Taylor caused numerous problems for Rochdale down the flanks.

Bolts managed to grab the lead as a great through ball from Vinny Hulton sent Ryan Hardwidge clear and he made no mistake as he cleverly lobbed the on rushing keeper. 1-0.

Bolts pushed for a 2nd goal but to no avail and it was Rochdale who levelled against the run of play, the winger sent over a cross that the wind got hold of and the ball nestled in the top corner, much to keeper Dave "Flapper" Hopkins annoyance. 1-1.

The scores were still level at half time and the boys were confident they could take all 3 points if they kept their work rate up.

The 2nd half started and Bolts once more controlled the game with James Gray having his best game for Bolts in central midfield, pulling all the strings and winning the tackles. Twenty minutes into the half and Bolts pressure finally told, as Rochdale failed to clear a corner the ball fell to the "Goal Machine" that is Neil Davies who scooped the ball with the outside of his right foot, high into the roof of the net. 2-1.

Bolts were in full flow now and a 3rd goal came as a cross come shot from the hard working John Collings nestled in the back of the net. 3-1. This should have been game over, but the Reserves seem to want to give their opponents a chance and a mix up at the back, in part due to the conditions, left the Rochdale striker an easy finish and put Bolts under pressure that shouldn't have been there. 3-2. After a few goal mouth scrambles and some good defensive play Bolts finally managed to kill the game off, as Chris Neasham broke free and his shot stopped in one of the many puddles and Ryan Hardwidge gleefully put the ball into an open net. 4-2. Full time.

A great team performance from the Reserves, in tough conditions, one that should give them confidence for the remaining fixtures.

Special mention to player of the year Mark Thomasson, who was again solid at the back and played his last game of the season as he is now departing on another trip, this time to South East Asia - we think he may have a thing for lady boys!!

MOM - James Gray - Solid!!