To say that no love is lost between these two teams would be an understatement. After shipping 10 goals in 2 bad tempered defeats against Rossendale already this season, this was their third meeting in 6 weeks.
Despite a strong 4-3-3 line up for Bolts, the game took an all too familiar shape as Rossendale twice notched, albeit against the run of play, in the first 20 minutes. Bright early play from Old Bolts counted for nothing, as the opposition disconcertingly sliced through the centre of defence to go 2-0 up. In the previous meetings this may have been game over, but after a hard fought win against Astley Bridge in their last game, Bolts had a taste for victory & wouldn't submit so easily.
Disciplined play from Myers, Hibbert & Neasham in central midfield created a solid platform for the lively front 3 of Dalton, Hardwidge & Collings to stretch the Rossendale defence. Enterprising play and a dangerous punt into the mixer from the left, saw Darren Dalton lash home a loose ball from 15 yards for 2-1. Taking heart from this reply, the Bolts defence of Noon, Cowell & co also began to look more comfortable, and repelled further first half attacks from Rossendale with ease. A goal down at half time but in the ascendency, the game was there for the taking.
In the second half Bolts started like a train, immediately putting pressure on Rossendale"s defence. This looked to have paid off 10 minutes in when Dalton slipped John Collings through, who finished one-on-one, only to be denied by a dubious late off-side decision. However, justice was served shortly hence as Hardwidge rounded the keeper, after latching onto a measured through ball from Neasham, 2-2. The comeback was then complete as Rossendale failed to clear a swerving left footed corner from Andy Arnold, and Hibbert scrambled home from 2 yards, 3-2 Bolts.
With just under 15 minutes to play Old Bolts were harshly reduced to 10 men, as Collings was dismissed for an innocuous clash with the Rossendale captain (who was later found to have a bruised ovary). Despite this, Bolts looked good for their lead, and more than capable of defending their one goal advantage. However, with just minutes remaining, a misjudged lunge from the usually reliable veteran centre back Rich Morris, gifted Rossendale a penalty and a lifeline. The pressure was on the Rossendale kick taker as he faced Dave Hopkins, sporting his new hi-vis goalie shirt. Hopkins duly pulled off a brilliant stop, saving not only the penalty but also the blushes of Morris & Collings.
After riding out the final few minutes, Bolts took the applause for another stirring win, showing great character to haul back a 2 goal deficit and banishing the memories of the previous Rossendale fixtures in the process.