Old Bolts beaten by Rossendale Under 12's

Old Bolts 'A" 0-5 Rossendale Under 12’sFinally kicking off our season with a cup match, a mixture of youth and bucket loads of experience was not enough to fend off the challenge of a very youthful Rossendale side. With a selected few of third teamers from last season still refusing to show any kind of commitment to either being available or coming to training (I hope these guys do not expect to walk straight into the team), a mixture of new players and the return of some of the more experienced Old Bolts were brought into the fold to try and beat Rossendale’s under 12’s.

            The first half started well, a gritty performance by the back four, with accomplished performances by Baz Ishaque, Rich Morris and Dave Morris , saw every Rossendale attack rebuffed. We stood strong, especially with midfield, consisting of the returning Jon Twist and Jules Ellis in the centre, Jon Lynch on the left and the debuting Cris Beardall out on the right, working hard to track back on every occasion and later in the half the opposition were reduced to taking pot shots from 30 yards out. We went in at half time 0-0.

            The second half was a different story, with the sun beaming down and the grass slightly longer than it should have been (definately excuses), fitness finally told. A couple of easy early goals killed us off and from then on we were always on the back foot. As the conditions took the toll on our players the opposition were given a little more space as they could see us tiring and they duly scored three more.

Final score 5-0, the score line though does not reflect the effort and commitment that the third team showed, maybe just maybe Twisty’s wife would be kind enough supply us all with high energy strawberry drinks and coco pops chocolate bars which he indulged in on the journey there. This might just give us the boost required (sorry Twisty it had to be done).