Boldmere went into this game against second in the table FC Concorde knowing a win was vital to maintain their title ambitions and to widen the gap on their opponents. This is exactly what happened as the 'Bulldogs' ran out comfortable 5-3 victors to maintain their position at the top of the table.
The gaffer gave a debut to new and exciting signing Che O'Connor up front, he replaced the luckless Jamie Walker who's season had sadly ended with an ankle ligament injury against Crown Elite in the previous Tuesday night fixture. Michael Dossett returned to the side in the left wing back role replacing Tom Shakespeare who was working and Chris O'Brien's excellent performance off the bench in the previous game earned him a starting berth for the 'unavailable' Richie McCausalnd. Olly Nicholson, James Duff, Craig Oates and the returning Jack Salter made up the substitutes bench.
Boldmere were caught cold in the 2nd minute when a Concorde breakaway ended when the strikers misplaced shot generously fell at the feet of his team mate who gleefully fired home. Boldmere soon settled and had good possession and in the 15th minute they were level when Aaron Humphries through ball ended up at the onrushing Chris O'Brien's feet, he then rounded the keeper to level the scores. Concorde took the lead for a second time in the 22nd minute. A long ball down the right was crossed into the area were the Concorde forward finished well at the front post. Boldmere continued to dominate possession and some poor final decision making with the final ball and some inept finishing meant that Boldmere went to the interval trailing 1-2.
The second half begun and Boldmere continued to dominate play and create chances. Finally their efforts were rewarded in the 55th minute when the lively Che O'Connor delivered perfectly for Michael Dossett to fire home with his first ever 'Bulldog' goal and the all important equaliser. Five minutes later and O'Connor was at it again, this time turning provider for Liam Hannon who finished well....3-2 Boldmere. Concorde were now under severe pressure and Boldmere limited them to very little attacking threat. Liam Hannon fired his second and Boldmere's deserved fourth goal in the 74th minute when once again the impressive debutant O'Connor got to the byline and crossed for Hannon to fire home. Assistant manager Wayne Clarke then made a double substitution bringing on James Duff and Craig Oates to replace the hard working O'Brien and Dossett. It was one of the substitutes, Duff, who got Bulldogs fifth goal when he drove home O'Connors super lay back. This was man of the match Che O'Connor's FOURTH assist of what was an extremely impressive debut. There was enough time for Concorde to score their 3rd goal when they broke and scored in the 89th minute.
In truth Boldmere ran out well deserved winners and the scoreline flattered FC Concorde somewhat.......Once again with better finishing the 'Bulldogs' could have had double figures.
On to next weeks vital Rumsby Cup match against Atlas FC at Braemar road for what will be a tough encounter that Boldmere will be looking to win to progress into the next round.
#WeGoAgain
