A week's break after a heartbreaking defeat, Bolton men’s 3’s have been stewing, waiting to get back on the hockey field. Their opponents today were Bowdon 7’s, who received a rude awakening in the reverse fixture early in the season. Would history repeat?

Both teams are a mix of older players and youngsters, with experience and raw potential. That was one show today as Bolton pressed the early advantage. A well-disciplined Bowdon back line kept things tight, and Bolton struggled to find space.

There was an early sighter for striker Kyle Hatch, a nice ball played into the D from Sam Murphy, one to control, another to strike the ball, the Bowdon defender taking some sting out the shot before the keeper makes a fine save at the top corner.

Bolton continued their early pressure, and it became too much for the fragile calves on their defensive midfielder, Bowdon lost their only substitute. The space created was quickly exploited. A great ball long from Richard Turner, control from Hatch, beat one defender, before beating a second and playing a weighted ball into Daniel Parsonson’s path, one touch and a reverse hit sweep. Great goal all-round.

Bowdon looked to respond but found it hard to get out of the half, they did start to string some passes together, especially down the Bolton left, but any attacks on the D were snuffed out by a stout defence.

It was Richard Moore’s turn to work the Bowdon keeper next. Some nice movement down the right from Will Dunlop, a ball cut back, and the initial shot kicked away straight to Tricky, who’s hit was well saved at the near post.

After an entire half of pressure, Bolton did what they did the last time they played Bowdon, relaxed. Bowdon pounced forward, three Bolton players, a sweeping move down our left, the ball cut back and a free man at the back post to put home. Seconds later it was half-time. Disappointing.

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

Bolton came back out second half looking for more, the pressure doubled and Bowdon found themselves rarely making inroads into the Bolton half. Instead if was slick play in the middle and good building, before poor decision-making and sloppy fouls were given away. Frustration grew for Bolton who couldn’t turn their dominance into goal attempts.

A change of shape and bringing back on personal help. With Tricky and Hatch restored to the front 2, there was a target point for the midfield to use, the two strikers stretching the Bowdon defence. First, it was Hatch who could have put the team back in the lead, a great ball from Robert Scarth, one touch, the keeper sliding at his feet, the ball lofted beautifully over the keeper and shaving the post wide.

Moments later he made up for it. Fine work down the right from Finlay Dunphy, driving into the D, a strong ball across, deflected at chest height, the striker did not panic, simply adjusting perfectly to swatting the ball into the net. Relief.

Bolton continue their dominance, and they created a contender for miss of the season. Hatch, again, picked up the ball inside the D, two defenders beaten, the keeper diving at his feet pushed him wide of goal, sensibly did not shoot but cut the ball back along the goal line, a simple touch and it would be in, but somehow the Bolton player managed to hit his own foot with ball and stick.

Bolton’s push for goals was often frustrated by the umpiring team, decisions going against them, player discipline was poor, the usual suspect getting a warning before Hatch was given just his second card of the season (two in two games). A nice two-minute breather.

As the game drew to a close, Bowdon did try to push for a late equaliser, and despite testing Keeper Sam Wood, his kicking was strong and chances were fleeting. A comfortable day at the office, that really should have seen more goals for the home side.

Full Time: Bolton 3’s 2 – 1 Bowdon 7’s