Old Bolts 'A' 1 Mostonians Reserves 4
Old Bolts knew this would be a tough encounter. Mostonians, positioned in the top 3 had already knocked our 2nd Team out of the Cup and the central midfield partnership of Witter and Arnold was missing. That seemingly proved crucial in the first 15 minutes as Old Bolts were overrun in the midfield area. The pressure eventually told and Mostonians scored through a well placed free-kick.
Gradually, with some key encouragement from Ishaque, Hughes and Davids, Old Bolts started to get a grip on the game and showed more of the appetite that would be needed to compete. Booth, making his debut, started to force his way in to the game and there became signs that the pace of Jordan upfront and the skill of Beardall on the flank may offer a way back in to the game for Old Bolts. Some harassing by the forwards allowed Beardall to pick the ball up in the penalty area and he was duly sent flying by a late Mostonian tackle. Hughes made no mistake from the resulting penalty. One each and everything to play for after half-time.
Old Bolts made use of the favourable wind for the first 20 minutes of the 2nd half keeping Mostonians penned back. Chances were few and far between though, with the closest effort being a Rose special - a.k.a. a long-range effort (long-range defined as half way line, effort defined as a clearance).
Unfortunately, Mostonians then came crashing back in to the game, scoring with a well worked break through their full back. In reality, it then went a bit pear shaped for Old Bolts. There were some murmurings of discontent and in fairness a lack of belief that the team could force its way back in to the game. Mostonians took full advantage of this and scored 2 more late on and disappointingly could have had more.
The A team have taken some big defeats from the stronger teams in the league and will look to move on from this as a run against lower positioned teams should help restore some much needed confidence. There were some healthy discussions regarding the performance after the game until Hughes threw in a High School Musical quote which brought the mood back down. It did not work for McClaren, it will not work for Old Bolts.
Man of the Match – Mike Davids – kept going for 90 minutes and showed more desire and commitment then his team mates.