Mostonians 'A' 0 Old Boltonians ‘B" 1
Mitchell (70)
After a couple of weeks away Mitch was back at the helm, supported by the welcomed return of club Vice-Chairman and B team assistant, Dave Hughes. We’ve suffered a couple of bad results over the last couple of weeks owing mostly to players (and management) being away and the starting 11 changing substantially on a weekly basis. With a number of new players in the squad this season, these weekly personnel changes obviously don’t help the lads settle.
Once again the side saw a number of changes; with 10 lads unavailable for selection. Olly had moved up to the A team, meaning Will could finally play his first B team game of the season. ‘A’ team player of the year Mark Worsley returned at the back to partner Crooky (also making a welcomed return). Dom Gavin and Dan Anderton completed a very capable, but new back 5. With this in mind, we decided to play 5 in midfield (J.C., Marcus Gavin (the not so sober Captain), Liam Heppolette, Sheeny and Stu Errington). This would hopefully provide extra stability in midfield to allow the defence to settle. Chris Neasham would be playing the lone striker/target man. Neash’s instructions were simple, hold the ball up to allow support to arrive, and annoy their centre-backs; he shouldn’t have a problem with the latter.
The kick off was delayed (despite Mr Hughes protestations to ref that he had the Chairman’s Ball to attend) because Mostonians didn’t have a keeper. When we eventually convinced the ref to kick off, both teams made slow starts. With Bolts defensive and Moston unprepared to commit men forward; chances were few and far between. Bolts were very solid and Moston weren’t going to score, but this solidity came at the cost of attacking flair. The only real incident of note was Dom Gavin, having failed to eat anything all day ran out of energy after 20 mins and Gaz Cowell was brought on.
Half time 0-0. The lads had worked hard giving us a solid start and something to build on. The halftime talk was about upping the pace, getting into Mostonians and winning the game. Could we build on this improved performance and get our first away win of the season? The formation was changed to 4-4-2, with Liam playing off Neash.
Right from the off Bolts pressed Mostonians back, creating chances and growing in confidence. Liam was starting to get involved and Stu and J.C. were finding space down the flanks. Mostonians were running out of steam and were relying on their keeper more and more, who was making a number of important saves, mainly from Neash. Bolts just needed a goal! The call went out from Dave Hughes ‘get me The Maestro!’. Liam made way and Mitch took to the field for the first time this season. After missing a couple of half chances, when passing was probably the better option (the Maestro doesn’t pass in front of goal!), a sweeping move down the left saw Stu with a clear shooting opportunity. The keeper parried the ball to Marcus 12 yards out, his shot striking the arm of the defender. As the lads screamed ‘penalty!’ and the opposition shouted ‘no chance!’ The Maestro pounced; thundering the loose ball into the (empty) net from 4, maybe even 5 yards out! Once Mitch had completed his 15 laps of honour, the game got back under way. With 20 minutes left to play, Bolts were in complete control and in truth should have added to their lead. With 10 left, J.C. was sacrificed to bring on Chipper and shore up the defence.
The game finished 1-0. A good solid performance and a foundation from which to build to next week’s clash with high flying Lymm. Finally, a couple of performances worth noting; Stu put in his best performance so far working hard and unlucky not to score his first goal for the club, Neash impressed upfront and Crooky dealt with everything thrown at him. The man of the match award went to Jonny Sheen in the centre of Midfield won worked tirelessly and brought some much needed steel to the midfield winning just about every 50/50 he contested.