Oldham Hulmeians 'A' 2 Old Boltonians ‘B" 5
(43 mins, pen) Neasham (15)
(50 mins) Neasham (22)
Johnson (35)
Pearson (67)
Gavin (78)
The B team squad continues to rival that at Eastlands (or whatever they’re calling it this week!), and 17 lads were available for selection this week. This strength in depth is starting to translate into results, as the team is becoming more balanced, players are competing for places and attendance at training is up! Cooky and Jack were promoted into the 2nd XI (2 lads who have performed very well so far this season, and deserve their chance at a higher level!). Oldham started the day third bottom, and given last weeks performance Bolts when into the game as firm favourites. As such, the solid 4-5-1 formation was abandoned in favour of a more attacking 4-4-2. Ant Johnson starting up-front alongside the inform Chris Neasham (A.K.A. Shearer! (I’ll keep calling him it, as long as he keeps scoring!)). ‘The Chairman’ Richard Morris was called up to replace Chris, and Dan Anderton started alongside him in Cooky’s absence. Martyn and JC continued at full backs. The midfield consisted of Jay and Stu on the wings and Sheeny and Marcus (Capt) in the middle. Will continued in goal after 2 clean sheets.
The pre-match talk was about being quick out of the blocks. Oldham had won their previous game 6-1, and would be confident of an up-set; we needed to get on top early. Once again the first half performance was outstanding. Playing into a gusty wind, the lads quickly settled, defended as a unit and didn’t allow Oldham and inch; I can’t recall their front line having a meaningful touch until at least 40 mins into the game. Not getting any joy out of our midfield, Oldham starting playing the ball long. This was food and drink for the defence, winning anything that fell short and Will, ever alert in goal, sweeping up well! Bolts on the other hand, were moving the ball forward fast, supporting the strikers and creating chances. The first goal came from a good move down the right releasing Jay, his cross tucked away from 12 yards (via a deflection) by Neash. 1-0 Bolts. Bolts continued to work hard, and another cross from the right found Neash unmarked in box, his clinical volley finding the bottom corner. 2-0! Another sweeping move down the right saw Ant play a quick one-two with Jay, the latter crossing for Ant to nod in. 3-0 up and cruising with 10 minutes of the first half left. Bolts relaxed and started to play the ball around, this allowed Oldham to push them back and apply some pressure. They forced 3 good saves from Will (the pick of which was a finger tip save from a shot flying into the top corner!). Eventually this pressure told, Martyn tripping their forward in the box for a penalty. 3-1 Bolts at half time.
The half time talk was about moving the ball forward quick. We had 2 good strikers on the pitch, and we play our best football when we hit them early. We shouldn’t get caught again trying to play dangerous passes in our own half. With the half time talk ringing in his ears, 5 mins into the 2nd half Morris decided to pass the ball to their centre forward who finished well! 3-2! To be fair the goal had come out of nothing, and Rich had marshalled the defence superbly. Bolts continued work hard, digging defensively, allowing the opposition little chance of getting the equaliser and always threatening on the break. One such break away released the impressive Jay, whose thunderous drive was tipped onto the bar expertly by their keeper. From the resulting corner, their defender was adjudged to have handled inside the box. JC stepped up and "hit the ball too well” over the bar. Bolts continued to defend well and break with pace. A cross from the left, chested down by Ant for Jay to dance round the defender and chip in from 6 yards! 4-2 Bolts! Samps replaced the energetic Sheeny, with an instruction to sit and protect the back four, and Gaz Cowell replaced the hard working Stu with a similar task on the left. Oldham were to be given nothing, and that how’s it proved. The final goal came from a big kick by Will, bouncing over their back four, Marcus racing through to lob the keeper from 18 yards and round off a very solid performance. 5-2! Jay had ran himself into the ground, so Olly ran on for the remaining 5 mins on the right. We had chances to score more (Gaz forcing a superb double save from their keeper) hitting Oldham on the break as they committed men forward and Bolts stood firm in defence. Ultimately, the game finished 5-2; another great result, on a difficult pitch against a hard working side.
Finally, a couple of performances worth noting. Will Tatlow, having had little to do in the last couple of games, produced an outstanding save when called upon, and even got an assist for the 5th goal. Ant worked well with Neash up front. J.C. played another very solid game at right back, making up for his penalty miss with a number of timely interceptions and marauding runs. Chris ‘Shearer’ Neasham, playing his 3rd game up front put in another outstanding performance, was a real handful through-out and has added a new dimension to the B team’s play. However, after a post match vote, man of the match was Jay Pearson. He worked tirelessly up and down the right, scored his first goal from the club, hit the bar and created 2 goals.
With Thornleigh getting beat at Bolton Wyresdale, Saturday’s result put the B team top of the pile on goal difference and a night out in Bolton (lead by Bling) ensued to celebrate!
Training is on Tuesday at St. James in Farnworth 8 till 9! See you there!
Mitch.