BOLTON LADS CLUB...0
BURY GSOB...1
BURY bounded back from last week's home defeat to inflict the first reverse of the season against Bolton Lads.
Bolton Lads have stormed through the lower leagues in the previous two years and were expecting a comfortable ride in this encounter. Instead, they met a Old Boys' outfit out to prove a point.
They stiffened their midfield by adding veteran, Dave Holland and 18-year-old Ryan Harper -- who was making his debut -- and moved Andy Myers to his accustomed striking role in a bid to give better balance to the side.
Early encouragement came in the fourth minute when Beesley broke clear, only to see his angled drive come back off the foot of the post.
After forcing the pace for most of the game they claimed the crucial goal after 25 minutes when Croft's surging left flank run yielded a corner, and Jackson thumped home a header from Morris's excellent delivery.
The goal certainly gave Bury a timely boost and Holt and Myers both came close to adding a second as the home side struggled to hold the eager visitors.
Crompton almost handed a lifeline to the hosts with a sliced clearance in front of goal, but atoned immediately by smothering the ball as the home striker bore down on the Bury goal.
The Bury 'keeper had early action at the start of the second half, turning aside a fierce drive, but the Old Boys continued to pose their own threats with angled shots from Myers and Harper flashing across the goal.
Crompton rescued them midway through the half, palming the ball to safety as the home striker tried to take the ball around him. He then saw the ball bounce to safety off the crossbar as the home side mounted a late, desperate bid to at least restore parity.
It was all in vain however, as the Old Boys battled through to the end in a display reminiscent of many in the previous season, whey they developed an ability to come through tight games, showing an abundance of grit and determination which has clearly been lacking in recent outings.
Richard Bowd grabbed four goals in the club's only other game of the day, helping the third team to a 5-1 victory over Bolton Wyresdale.
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