Chew Moor Brook  7  Old Bolts Res  2

On a mud bath of a pitch and in terrible wet conditions the Reserves faced top of the league Chew Moor. From the whistle it was clear to see why Chew Moor are top of the league as they played keep ball for the opening 10 minutes, running the Bolts Midfield and Defence ragged, but somehow didn't manage to score.

Very much against the run of play, Bolts took the lead, a free kick was whipped in to the near post by Vinny Hulton for the "goal machine" that is Chris Neasham to delicately volley past the keeper for his 8th strike of the season (Watch out Brooksy here I come!!). 1-0

To take the lead was probably the worst thing Bolts could have done, as Chew Moor upped their game and within minutes they were level as another fluent move ended with an easy finish for the unmarked striker to slot home. 1-1. The goal, coming so quickly after Bolts had taken the lead, was a real blow and Chew Moor turned on the style, they scored two more goals within the next five minutes, 1-3. Bolts gathered their composure and rolled their sleeves up and managed to make it to half time only 3-1 down, only just though after some great saves from Oli Neasham and some last ditch blocks from Thomo and Neil Davies.

At half time the Bolts side was still upbeat despite the battering they were getting and the next goal was going to be vital. However, the weather conditions deteriorated at the start of the second half and Bolts already up against it had to play up hill, against a force 9 gale, into torrential rain, this was never going to be an easy task!!! 

Chew Moor finished the game off as a contest as they scored a fourth ten minutes into the second half, a fifth followed soon after and it would have been easy for the heads to drop but to Bolts credit they fought on. With twenty minutes remaining Bolts broke up another Chew Moor attack and broke quickly with John Collings crossing to the back post for Vinny Hulton, (not sure how or why he had got there from Left Back!) who beat the keeper but not the defender on the line, the ball rolled across the line and even John Collings couldn't miss this tap in. 2-5.

Bolts then had their best spell of the game and it was end to end now as Bolts went gung ho to try and get another goal. They couldn't quite manage another but nobody could argue with the effort they were putting in and despite Chew Moor grabbing 2 more goals in the last five minutes it was a good effort from the lads.

The final score of 7-2 was maybe a little flattering for Chew Moor but they are the best side that Bolts have played all season and will no doubt go on to win promotion at a canter.

A great performance by Oli Neasham in goal who saved the Reserves on numerous occasions and also added some comical moments to the game!! Also good performances from the three lads from the 3rds - Cris Beardall, Andy Witter and Damon Jordan, a big thanks to these guys who will hopefully put a lot of pressure on the guys they replaced.