Old Bolts B 9 - Ainsworth 1
If last week's 1-0 defeat to Mostonians demonstrated how impotent the Bolts could be in front of goal then this performance was the exact opposite. It was simply the most ruthless demonstration of finishing that Manager Milne has seen in the 30 years of Bolts football and whilst it was not a true reflection of the game, there will be no team in the league that will beat the Bolts when they are on this kind of form. Rob Southern adds a new dimension to the attack, his darting runs that makes chances out of nothing which in turn sparks off a chain reaction throughout the team, then add the composure of Wes Davies at left back and then finish off with newly appointed captain Ben Horan at centre back, you have a team which is nearly complete.
The B team has a strong versatile squad which will be required throughout the rest of the season, and it bodes well for the prospects of the team winning the league. Newcomer 18 year old Liam Watkinson developing with every game had his first 90 minutes for the club and crowned it with two glorious goals, one a strong header into the corner of the net after a fine cross from Southern and the other a sweet half volley in off the post from the edge of the box.
Leo Curtin in midfield never stopped running and deserved his well taken goal after good work from Dan Barrett who purred alongside his strike partner Rob (the phenomenon) Southern. His feat of scoring in every match this season is not difficult to understand when you see the effort he puts in making chances out of nothing before he then dispatches the ball clinically past the keeper. His second goal in particular demonstrated this as he rounded the keeper and then from the narrowest of angle slotted the ball at pace into the far corner of the net.
Even more impressive was the way the Bolts battled on for the final 30 minutes with only 10 men as Milne hobbled for the remainder of the game after a darting run that left him through on goal with 30 yards between him and goal. With 25 yards to go Milne had been dispossessed emphasising that despite his enthusiasm to run, sprinting is a no go area. Despite the injury though, he did however manage an inch perfect 30 yard cross for Barrett to nod home from close range.
Things are looking up again!