The 50-minute journey from Stoneclough to Bowdon, reminded this reporter exactly why he left playing hockey in south Manchester 2 years ago. Much happier in his home in the proper north. The 3’s travelled to the Devisdale to play Bowdon 7’s. Well, most of us travelled and arrived on time, some arrived late, some managed to arrive on time, get lost and then arrive pitch side late…

Due to time pressures, Bolton started with just 8 players on the pitch, a new Goalkeeper making his debut, an unfamiliar centre back pairing of Kyle Hatch & James Taylor, with Nathan Watts filling in a right back, Umar Darsot at the switching over to cover left back. Everyone else packed the midfield.

An experienced Bowdon side licked their lips, how wrong they were to. Bolton played sensibly, calmly and for once knocked the ball around well. Andy Hill and Kyran Chitre controlling the centre of midfield. Daniel Parsonson acting as a lone outlet.

By 15 minutes reinforcements had arrived, with Richard “Tricky” Moore, Lucas Hogan and Captain Phil Morgon all bolstering the pack. We even had a sub.

It was just moments after getting to 11 players that the first goal was scored, if we felt embarrassed, I don’t know how the umpires felt. Bowdon Keeper made a stop at Daniel’s feet playing the ball directly off said feet, missed by the umpires. A couple of stick tackles from Bowdon players missed by the umpires. Then Umar’s hopeful ball across goal evaded everyone and bobbles into the goal. Everyone on both benches saw the fouls, all the players near the incidents did, but neither umpire…a theme repeated a lot over the 70 minutes, despite both teams trying to be as sportsman about it as possible.

Bolton were controlling play, the midfield through Andy and Kyran moved the ball well, with Hatch making a nuisance of himself, particularly at Bowdon 16’s, winning the ball back high up the pitch. From one retrieval, a short corner was earned and despite the accuracy of the injection from Hatch being questionable, the speed was good, and Andy was able to hammer home, with Bowdon defenders blocking the keepers view.

As half time approached, Bolton felt comfortable if not a little disappointed not to be further in front. They disappointment doubled as some swift play down the Bolton left, resulted in a ball making it’s way all the way across goal and being slapped home from (probably) a couple inches.

Half Time: Bowdon 7’s 1 – 2 Bolton Men’s 3’s

Bolton unhappy with losing the goal, looked to pile the pressure on quickly in the second half to stop any idea of a Bowdon comeback. What happened over the next 12 minutes was conclusive. First Daniel got in the act with a fine run into the D and a lofted shot over the sliding keeper for 3-1, before Tricky joined in to, some fine play on the right between Lucas, Nathan and Kyle, saw the striker slide the ball into Tricky who slammed home. Just moments later it was five one, Andy hitting a hammer pass into the D and Daniel doing what good strikers do and getting the feintest of touches on the ball. 12 minutes 3 goals, game over.

Bolton were relentless, keeping Bowdon on the back foot, forcing their strike force to come deeper and deeper to get the ball. This opened space to move the ball round. Chances came and went. A good save from the Bowdon keeper was robbed of him when a 16 was given, even after he graciously said he saved it, the umpire wasn’t having it….

Bolton did add to their lot before the end, another block at a 16 from Hatch, a square ball and another boom from Tricky. Bolton settled for 6, and despite the best efforts of some, Bowdon were unable to get a consolation.

Full Time: Bowdon 7’s 1 – 6 Bolton Men’s 3’s

Some fine performance, James Taylor was a calm rock in defence, please play every week. Goalkeeper Sam made some fine saves on his debut, again please play every week. Despite not knowing how to shoot, Kyle ended up with another hat trick of assists, so I’ll stick to that, leaving shoot to those that can. ☹

But the outstanding player of the day, was Kryan Chitre, fantastic performance in the centre of the park, calm patient on the ball. Killer passes when required.

Next week, were back at home to Buxton at 14:30.