Bees Batter Bolton

Last Saturday saw grey skies replace the bright sun of the last few friendlies as the Bees headed to Bolton to take on their first opponents in Division 5. Apprehension was in the air due to the uncertainties always present when playing in a new league. The opposition were also an unknown quantity as Bolton too were new to Division 5 having been relegated at the end of last season. No doubt they were going to be coming at the Bees with something to prove.
The match began with both sides engaged in a fierce melee of attack and counterattack with the possession hotly contested. The passing drills and fitness routines of the previous few weeks were being put to the test, and it was paying off. In the end, it was the members of the defence that would decide the deadlock. For a long time neither team could crack the others formations, with the Bees defenders keeping out several on target short corner shots and keeper Pete Lynch-Mathew deflecting several would-be goals. One such shot was saved by the Bees keeper, but horrifyingly it flicked up and nearly rolled into the goal. Bolton were denied, however, by the stalwart presence of Ashley Critten who stopped and cleared the ball before it could trundle over the line.

Ashley Critten would continue to amaze, as shortly afterwards he displayed some incredible testicular fortitude by blocking a pass with the most tender part of his anatomy, winning possession for the Bees. By the time half time came around, Bolton were smarting having been prevented from scoring a single goal.
The second half saw Bolton return to the game energised and on the attack. This was blunted almost at once by the resolute defenders with Thomas Ainsley breaking through on a solo run with his midfield comrades dropping back to cover his position as he charged up the field and managed to slam a shot straight past the Bolton keeper. The Bees were to be denied their clean sheet however, when Bolton executed a perfect short corner with a deflected shot at point blank range squeaking past both keeper Pete Lynch-Mathew and his post-man Sean Stewart
By the time the final whistle blew, the Bees buzzed away from the game with six goals to Boltons one.
Man of the match became Men of the Match with a three way tie. This was due to Richard Greenhough showing his mettle with a hat trick, Damien Sean Smith not far behind with a deuce and Thomas Ainsley scoring a single goal all the way from the centre back position