The last two games hadn’t exactly gone to plan – with eight goals conceded and only one scored – so as we awoke this morning, we knew that things were not going to be any easier this afternoon. We were making the journey over to Oldham – the Vestacare Stadium to be precise – as we were taking on Avro Reserves and knowing that they had convincingly won their last three games, we knew this was going to be another stern test. But we were up for it – we always are – and as we began to meet at the host’s fine facilities, the mood was really good. That was probably helped by the glorious sunshine that was beating down onto the freshly-cut, massive pitch and as the lads began to get ready, it was game-face time…
Along with a lot of other clubs, we’ve really struggled with the season starting so early this season and this afternoon was no different. We had plenty of faces missing – so Dave T and Damo decided that with the players we had available, we had to switch to a 4-4-2. That would also help with the vast amount of grass that would need to be covered today! So Charlie was between the sticks and we had to draft in Robbie Pollitt and Kez to play at full-backs. Ben and Hodgy were the central pairing again and the two in front of them for this one were to be Smalley and Shorty. Nathan and Sam got a start on the wings and with Ax and Dylan up top, we knew we had enough firepower to trouble them if we could get the ball forward. Louie and Matty Hill made up the bench and with the coaches asking them to ‘think’, the lads got themselves ready. By ‘think’ they were being asked to use the ball wisely, don’t do any unnecessary running when the ball could do the work and make sure we tracked back and got into shape when we didn’t have the ball. Basics really. The lads looked ready. The match officials were ready. And as both teams made their way onto the field, the supporters of both sides were making themselves heard. The whistle went – and we were off…
It was County who started the brighter as we tried to get the ball down and find our rhythm – and whenever the hosts had possession, they were looking to play in their speedy wingers at every opportunity. We dealt with this easily though and as the game progressed, it was us that were looking the most likely. 15 minutes in, we managed to feed the ball into the feet of Ax and he saw Dylan making a darting run into the box – so Tom simply slipped it in front of him and Dylan did the rest – coolly slotting the ball under the advancing keeper and into the back of his net! What a start! 1-0 County and we had something to look after now…
We didn’t sit back and with some flowing football, we once again spread it into the right-hand channel where Dylan managed to get through again. But rather than drive at goal, he tried to cut inside onto his left-foot and the home defenders saw it coming and the chance was gone. On we went though and when Charlie hooked a good ball into Ax, he headed it on to Sam. Hustling and bustling with their defender, our Sam danced inside him with ease and rifled the ball home from about 14 yards out – leaving their No.1 no chance of stopping it. A great goal and more importantly – we were now 2-0 to the good. The County fans were in dream-land…
We then thought we’d got our third when we won a corner on the left and as it was swung in, Smalley seemed to get to it first and divert the ball into the back of the net. But the last touch had come off his hand – and seeing it, the man in the middle brandished a pretty harsh yellow. No goal and it was still 2-0. The hosts then nearly got a way back into the game when a superb strike from all of 25 yards beat our Charlie all-hands down – only to see the ball crash against the crossbar and away from danger. This seemed to spur them on and they started to press us higher up the pitch – seeing their left wing-back turn our back four inside out – but he could only shot wide of the far-post and our two-goal advantage was still intact. It was the team in blue that were most appreciative of the half-time whistle and as it went, we came in knowing that had been good – but it was only half a job done…
Half-time: Avro Reserves 0-2 BOLTON COUNTY
The team-talk was pretty simple this week. It was all about discipline and concentration now as we knew that the home side were going to be getting a rollicking in there – so they were going to come out all-guns blazing from the off. All we needed to do was weather that storm, keep playing our football and keep feeding those two up top. Sounds easier than it is though! The heat was going to play it’s part in the drama as it was really hot out there – so we needed to conserve energy when we could and be professional about this. The lads gulped their drinks with glee and before we knew it, we were back out there ready to do it again…
As we lined up for the re-start, it was clear that the hosts had made some key changes – bringing some first-teamers into the fray – and from the off they looked to come down our right whenever they could. A couple of marginal offside decisions held them at bay though – but it was already obvious there was a swing happening here…
Their left-winger had been the main threat so far and as expected, he was instrumental in them getting their first goal of the game. He managed to get to the ball down our line and far too easily, he cut inside towards the edge of the box. The ball was floated to the back-post where stood unmarked the Avro striker and he struck the ball home leaving Charlie no way of stopping it. 2-1 and they were back in the game now – so we had to focus and we had to keep working…
Less than five minutes later, the scores were level – and it was a carbon-copy of the first that saw it happen. We let them down our right without a real challenge and as the ball was fired across the six-yard box, there was the Avro player to tap it in at the back-stick. 2-2 and the home fans were jubilant! We had to regroup and go again now as we had worked far too hard to leave here with nothing…
The momentum was well and truly in the favour of the hosts now – but County still looked dangerous whenever we could break. Kez managed to float a beautiful corner in from the left and from a yard out, Ax’s header hit a defender somewhat fortuitously for the home-side – and the ball flew over the bar. The travelling fans had their heads in their hands as they were sure that was going in…
We then decided that it was time to revert to our three-man midfield as we wanted to gain some control in there – so on came Louis in place of Dylan – and on we went. But with 88 minutes on the clock, Avro should have clinched all three points. Their first-teamer that had come on at the break got hold of the ball about 25 yards from goal and with some fantastic footwork, he danced clean through our back-line and got in front of Charlie. But after that genius bit of skill, he finish was woeful and Charlie managed to gather it easily. That could have been so different you know…
It felt like a Premier League game as the injury-time felt like about an hour – but as we ticked into our 100th minute, County managed to find a bit of space on the right deep in Avro territory – but the crosses were wayward and gave us no chance of getting to them. And that was that. The whistle went and it was a case of a good point gained – but a little disappointment that we weren’t taking all three home with us. A majority of teams will leave here empty-handed this season don’t you doubt it – so it had been a superb effort from the lads…
The handshakes were done with pride and as the players came in to get out of the sun, there was nothing but praise from the coaches. That had been a graft out there and to a man, they all played their parts. That’s the effort and commitment we expect from Bolton County players and they did us all proud out there this afternoon. A massive thanks to those of you that came over to cheer us on and we’re sure you’ll agree – they played well today!
Onto next weekend and Govan & Uni of Manchester make their first visit to The County Ground so we’d love to see you all out there roaring us on again. The weather is supposed to be just as nice – if not better – so make sure you get down and support your local club! If we play as well as we did today, it will be well worth it…
#UpTheCounty!