Boys' 1st XI v Bolton

Date:

Saturday 21st November

Venue:

Away. Depart at 11.40am

Team:

Jones, Fearn, Golding, Evans, Sanderson, Moxham, Rees-Jones, Graham, Duggan (C), Chilaka, Mullen

Sub: Lewis

Result:

Bolton 2-3 Repton

Match Report:

Despite a very short warm-up, as a result of our delayed journey, we started the match at a fantastic pace. We looked sharp and resourceful and carved out two or three early opportunities which were only denied by good goalkeeeping or defending. It was no surprise, therefore, when Sam GRAHAM gave us the lead from an inswinging free-kick. Within ten minutes we were to go two up as a Luke Duggan corner was powerfully headed home by Andy EVANS for his second of the season. The first half dominance continued as Ndu Chilaka fired into the side netting and Steven Mullen was denied a top corner curler by some acrobatic goalkeeping. We were rarely troubled at the back with Jones easily dealing with a couple of shots from distance.

It had, in truth, been a poor first half for Bolton and given their pedigree I as expecting something more in the second. A much improved performance saw them make a real contest of the game. A wonderful run and shot by their left winger saw them pull it back to 2-1 and a goalmouth scramble made it 2-2. Inbetween times we had continued to carve out decent chances, but not with the regularity of the first half. However, we have displayed regularly this season that we are made of stern stuff. In so many matches we have been behind or pegged back only to drive through and find a way to win. And so it was today as Duggan drifted infield and slipped a perfect pass for CHILAKA. Nothing had fallen for him today, despite having quite an industrious game, but he made no mistake with the finish to wrap up the victory with his 21st goal of the season.

It was pleasing to get back to winning ways, particularly in such tough conditions. We should have been out of sight at half-time but credit to Bolton for a strong comeback, and similarly, credit to us for having the will to push on for the win. We go on to Manchester Grammar in good spirits.