After last weekend’s postponement, there was extra time for the coaches to work with their troops and as we all awoke this morning, we knew that there was another almighty challenge right in front of us. We were making the journey over the the Falcon Fire Stadium to take on Chadderton Reserves who currently sit mid-table but knowing them like we do, we knew what today was going to bring. And with last-minute adjustments made to the squad, we made our way over knowing that we needed to at least bring something home with us….
The weather was awful – and had been all week – and as we warmed up, the pitch looked soggy and wet. That was made worse by a downpour just before kick-off as well – but before then the starting 11 had been released. We were sticking with the 4-3-3 shape and Ryan kept his place between the sticks with Robbie Pollitt coming in to join Ben, Hodgy and Liam Hulme in the defence. Carl dropped into the middle with Shorty and Smalley and with an attacking three of Kieran, Ax and Charlie, we were good to go. Robbie Smith was joined by Bradders on the bench and with the coaches urging them to win their individual battles, they were out there ready for action…
We nearly got off to the worst start possible because within the first minute, the hosts had hiot the bar. We gave away an early free-kick and as it was swung in, their midfielder connected with his head well only to see the ball cannon off the woodwork and away from danger. Early signs that if we allowed them in, they could be dangerous. But straight after that, it was County that did all the running – and if we’re honest, we had five golden opportunities to take the lead – all from within 8 yards! Charlie, Ax and Kez amongst the culprits but we had to keep going because one of them would have to go in. Ax also brought a fine save out of their keeper and as the ball rebounded, our man go to it first and their keeper had no choice but to take him out. As the away supporters and bench awaited the award of the spot-kick, the only person in the ground that saw it differently was the one that counts – and the referee waved play on. To the amazement of all. Could anything else go against us?
Oh yes is the answer to that. Because as the half-time whistle approached, a mis-placed pass across our back four was punished as their striker got to it and lobbed Ryan from all of 35 yards out. The ball bounced into our net and as the hosts raced away in triumph, the County players looked at each other. We had to work harder now. 0-1…
There was still time for us to get back into it though – but another great chance went begging due to inept finishing. Charlie flung a pinpoint ball into the back post where it was met by Kez – but he could only blaze it over when scoring looked easier. That had been the story of our first 45 and we needed to put that right after the break…
Half-time: Chadderton Reserves 1-0 BOLTON COUNTY AFC
As the lads came in, the coaches told them that they had been doing alright. We had been bossing most of that out there and if we had made our chances count, this game would be out of sight already. We needed to keep going and when the ball was there, hit it. Let’s test this keeper and make sure we get it on target. Keep winning those battles and when we passed the ball, pass it to feet. Apart from that, we had been competing well so now it was about upping it 10-15% and seeing where it took us. The lads at least looked ready for it and as they made their way back out there, the travelling supporters showed their appreciation…
The second half was much the same – with County doing the pressing and the hosts looking to break away quickly. And when a great ball from the midfield saw Charlie break free, we awaited the net to bulge – only to see him smash it into the side-netting with the net gaping in front of him. This was going to haunt us if we didn’t make one of these count you know…
Then came what can only be described as the miss of the game – as this time the ball just needed slotting home! More good work saw the ball at Charlie’s feet and as he played it in, there was Ax all alone about 2 yards from goal. The County bench went to jump in celebration – only to see him put the ball high over the bar. This just wasn’t going to be our day when Ax doesn’t tuck that home surely…
And it wasn’t. Because with 85 minutes on the watch, a big mistake saw the Chadderton team double their lead and possibly clinch all three points at the same time. Ben went in for a challenge but mis-timed it and that left their striker clean through to take it towards Ryan and slot it home from about 10 yards out. Those chances that went begging were really going to pay now weren’t they? 0-2…
To our credit we did keep going – and Hodgy saw a great header cannon off the post – before we did actually get something for our efforts when a good ball to the back post saw Kez rise highest and this time he made no mistake in slamming his header into the back of their net. 1-2 but surely it was too late to pull this back…
It was. The whistle went shortly after and with the home management themselves not believing how they’d claimed all three points, it was back to the drawing board for both Daves and Damo. A dominant display by the County lads that had not been rewarded due to some really bad finishing. A much-improved performance than that at Pennington last time out – but goals win games and we needed to make our chances count today that’s for sure…
We go again. Old Alts visit The County Ground next Saturday in what can only be described as a ‘six=-pointer’ as a victory there would see us climb above them with games in hand. As we said at the start of the day, points are what’s needed now – and that starts again in seven days time. Thanks to those of you that came over to cheer us on today and we hope to see you at home soon…
#UpTheCounty!