Old Bolts B 2 Radcliffe Reserves 2
In torrential rainy conditions..the Bolts turned on a superb performance for 65 minutes before all was squandered as they once again capitulated to late goals. The equaliser coming with 20 seconds remaining.
In the first half Radcliffe spent most of the time trying to get the ball off the Bolts but without success, the only actual contact they made were in the late clumsy tackles that left numerous Bolts hobbling. Radcliffe simply had no answer to the short quick passing by the Bolts and spent most of the half arguing between themselves as to who had got the one brain cell. Frustrated, they turned on themselves in a bizarre fashion but the Bolts failed to maximise the opportunity.
By halftime 2-0 up with goals from Andy Beardsworth and a scorcher from the edge of the box from Mark Brookes - a contender for Goal of the season - it was only a matter of time before the deranged thugs from Radcliffe imploded.
The second half continued with the Bolts playing the neat football, but the Bolts failed to finish despite many opportunities and this gave Radcliffe the opportunity to refreshingly focus on the game of football.
This also coincided with Milne's decision to substitute himself for a "2nd teamer” half his age. The Bolts lost their balance and Radcliffe dominated the last 25 minutes, they hit the post and cross bar before a deflected shot skimmed off the greasy turf and nestled in the back of the Bolts net. Stand in keeper Steve Vose who had a superb return to the team pulled off some fine saves with Jeff Taylor /Matt Finlay also having good games, but the Bolts defence were under constant pressure as the midfield lost the plot. Well done also to Phil Riding who turned up after a late call at 2pm and turned in a creditable performance at right back
Unfortunately though yet another game where a goalmouth melee with seconds remaining, denied the Bolts three points, the team can only rue the missed chances!
Ron Manager was foaming at the mouth, seething at the loss of two points due to team"s lack of fitness or just maybe the decision to take Milne off with 25 minutes remaining.
Surely it has to be the fitness!!!!!!!!!