Rochdale St Clems 3 Old Bolts B  

On a beautiful spring-like day, the Bolts found themselves 2-0 down after only 15 minutes as Rochdale's ruthless finishing punished some sloppy defending by the Bolts. Rochdale are never an easy team to beat and to concede to early goals made it more than just an uphill struggle until half time, but the Bolts had their chances and were unlucky not to get a goal before half time with a Beardsworth header hitting the post.

In the second half the Bolts took more control of the game and scored after an excellent work from  Jimmy Freeborn. The Bolts had more than their fair share of chances with Beardsworth slightly rusty after 7 days on and off  the pis(s)te. But when Barrett blasted wide when a gentle tap in would have sufficed, the writing was on the wall! Rochdale scored a third in the last minute as the Bolts tried desperately to equalise.

Jimmy Freeborn showed what he can do when he stays in on a Friday night with a sharp speedy and impressive performance and when Beardsworth polishes up his finishing next week it could be a goal bonanza for both of them!

With Ross Taylor continuing to improve by the game and Mark Brookes consistent and solid in midfield, this team is improving by the week. Even a dash of Riding at the ripe old age of 47 guesting the B team for the last 20 minutes with offers hope!  

However Ron Manager was in ebullient form afterwards, "This was a good performance and a sign of exciting things to come - ok we lost but there is a lot to take out of the performance"

- Unfortunatly on this occasion, it wont be the three points!