The joy and jubilation of that fantastic victory seven days was still very much in the air as we began to meet up for this one – but the 5-2 win at the reigning champions would mean nothing if we didn’t put another sterling performance in here. It’s wasn’t going to be easy either – as we were making our way over to Moorside Rangers – and their only home defeat so far came in their first game to Govan & Uni of Manchester so we knew we’d need to be right at it if we wanted that same feeling as last weekend…
There was good news as the lads came out for their warm-up’s as we thought that Dylan and Ax would be ruled out after coming off at Fox Park – but they were both there and giving their all as they went through their stretches. And when the starting 11 was released, it saw Pomf taking his place between the sticks after his great game last week and Houghie retained his centre-back berth after his heroics there last time out. He was joined by Hodgy and we had Ben and Liam Hulme at full-backs – and the midfield trio was made up of Louis, Shorty and Phil. Passing their late fitness-tests, Dylan and Ax lined up in the attacking roles joined by Sam and we were good to go. There were only two to call upon from the bench – Robbie Pollitt and Matty Hill – and we were good to go. Dave Tomlinson, Damo and Callum’s message was clear as the lads made their final preparations and it was ‘more of the same please’. Their commitment and work-rate over in Rochdale was first-class so we needed to see that again out here. Both teams came out to a warm reception and before we knew it, the game was underway…
It was a very even opening to the game as both sides played some nice football all the way up to the opposition’s penalty area – but the majority of the half-chances that were popping up were missed at both ends. County were starting to see more of the ball in the better areas though and when Phil swung a good corner in, all the Rangers defender could do was deflect it past his keeper and into the back of his own net. 1-0 to County and despite not really starting yet, we had the lead…
The home side were tidy coming forward though and it took a great save from Pomf on the half-hour mark to keep us in front. The ball was played quickly down our left and as it was cannoned into the box, there was their striker to meet it well – and as the ball flew towards the top corner, there was Pomf to get across and dive full-length to keep it out. A great stop and on went the game…
Next up was another corner to County and as we lined up on the edge of the box, as the ball came in we all split – and there was Hodgy at the back-post to plant a great header goal-bound. It looked in – but as it was clawed off the line, Ax was there to try and smuggle it home – however once again the home defenders put their bodies on the line and managed to get it away from danger. So close to doubling our lead and we needed to make chances like that count…
The hosts were still pushing and probing in search of the leveller but up to now, our defenders were coping with whatever was being thrown at them. Houghie and Hodgy seem to have a great understanding in there already after only about 135 minutes and with Ben and Liam ably assisting them out wide, we looked solid back there. And just before the break, the travelling fans were jumping in the air as we all thought Sam was through to score a certain second – only to see their No.1 make a stunning save to keep it up! Not long after, the match officials decided it was time for a brew and when the whistle went for the break, it was County coming in with something to protect…
Half-time: Moorside Rangers 0-1 BOLTON COUNTY
These refreshments were more than deserved as the lads gulped their drinks with gusto – and with the coaches urging their troops to keep it up, there wasn’t much more to say. Sure – we did need to convert more of our chances – but if we remained focused and defending as well as we had been, then there was every reason to be optimistic. The lads filled their lungs with air and were back out there ready to go again…
Right from the restart it was County in the ascendency and as Dylan went clean through, we all expected the net to bulge – only to see him hit it against the onrushing keeper and away from danger. Would we be made to pay for these missed opportunities? We kept surging forward but every time the chance presented itself, we were firing it directly at their shot-stopper and he was being made to look like the best player on the pitch at times. One of these had to go in…
The home side then made changes – and these seemed to have an immediate impact on the game. They started to play it in behind and catch us on the hop a little – and the pace of their right-winger was now causing us issues. Time and time again he was finding himself in acres of space and Pomf was forced into a couple more fine stops to keep him out. But eventually he made us pay and on 67 minutes, Moorside got the equaliser they’d been searching for. A good move across the top saw them feed their right-winger and from the edge of the box, this time he slotted it past Pomf with ease and the score was now level at 1-1. The home fans were looking for the winner now…
The goal seemed to rock us – or was it a case of the home side being more attacking now? Whatever it was, the game seemed to have swung in favour of them and it took another good save from Pomf to stop them taking the lead on 80 minutes as he got down well to smother the ball before it went in. We needed to stick at this now as going home with a point was better than nothing. But with 84 minutes on the clock, the inevitable happened and as the Moorside team surged down our right, they fed the ball across the box and wandering in from the left was their striker unmarked to have the simple task of tapping it home from about 8 yards out. Harsh considering how well we’d played – but the score was now 1-2 and we had about 6 minutes plus injury-time to snatch a draw out of this now…
Try as we may, we just couldn’t muster that one last chance to try and level it and when the full-time whistle went, it was the hosts that were keeping all three points from this one. It had been an entertaining game and before they made their changes, we could sniff a win here. But that’s football – and we’ll dust ourselves down and go again. Next weekend sees us going over to Springhead to join in the celebrations of their Manager Lee McAllister making his 600th – and final – appearance as their 1st-team boos so although we wish him all the very best, we really hope his last game in charge doesn’t end with a win!
The handshakes for this one were done with pride and as both teams came off the pitch, they knew they’d been involved in a good game here. Time for a shower and then it was onto the Bolton County FC/Tonge Cricket Club inaugural Beer Festival for some – and there were some pretty sore heads come Sunday morning let us tell you…
A shame that we weren’t coming away with at least something from this one. But it’s onto next week now and we’ll be looking to be climbing up that table this time next Saturday. Thanks to those of you that came over to cheer us on today and we look forward to seeing you in Oldham in seven days time…
#UpTheCounty!