Horwich RMI Reserves 1 Old Bolts A 1
On the back of four straight defeats and performances so bad that it was too depressing to write a report about them, Old Bolts needed to improve their form, particularly against a Horwich RMI reserves side that were sitting pretty at second in the table and had only tasted defeat once all season.
Such challenges ahead were easily put aside in the warm-up. Ishaque had made the classic school boy error of inviting his new girlfriend along to watch. With 3rd XI players desperate to impress any supporter let alone a female one, flying over-head kicks and diving headers in the warm-up put Ishaque's fledgling relationship under some strain. These attempts to woo all stopped within an instant of Ishaque's girlfriend kicking a ball. At that point we all realised, she could well take one of our places within the team, hence a more orthodox return to warm-up drills returned.
Once the match got under way, it became clear that the decent Old Bolts team had turned up to play this week. Confidence in each other had returned, passes found feet and players took chances to take on the opposition and to put in firm challenges when required. The team ethic of supporting each other and encouraging, coupled with a return of ability, gave confidence that we could match the theoretically stronger opposition.
Old Bolts were probably the better team in the first half. A couple of spectacular runs from Old Bolts defenders almost culminated in goals of the season. Chipper Timmis rode numerous challenges out on the left flank and charged down the pitch. Showing enormous determination and skill, he powered in to the opposition box and had the calmness of mind to lay the ball in to the path of Ellis, who unfortunately blazed over from close range. Ashworth did the same from the right flank and almost scored a wonderful opening goal.
Horwich came more in to the game but their possession was stifled by the extensive running of the Old Bolts midfield. Kemp and George, out on the flanks, tracked their wingers well and also provided Old Bolts biggest threat going forward. Witter and Edmo in the middle put in some crunching challenges and kept on top of the Horwich midfield. Such was Witter's work rate, nobody had time to question the apparent tinge of red in his hair. A man's grooming is his own domain, but dyed red hair on a football pitch? - explanations need to be forthcoming.
Soon after half-time, Horwich forced themselves in front and then started to dominate possession for the next twenty minutes. Old Bolts remained stubborn and continued to work hard to close down the opposition. With George and Edmo picking up injuries, the impressive Hulton brothers were brought in to action. Also, Lynch replaced Ishaque to allow for some old school necking pitch side. Horwich continued to push on and Old Bolts had Davids and Chipper Timmis to thank for making some crucial last ditch challenges. Credit should also go to Neasham for pulling off some excellent saves and commanding his box with authority.
Luck was on Old Bolts' side. Horwich missed a sitter from 5 yards out and then had a fairly obvious penalty turned away by the referee. For once it was Old Bolts who gave out the lesson in what happens when you do not take your chances. With one minute left, Davids, released in to midfield, put through an inch perfect through ball to Ellis, who took considerable delight in lifting the ball over the keeper in to the empty net. The draw was a fair result and looking at the table, the point is more than welcome.
Man of the Match - Mike Davids - great defensive play and set up the winning goal.