BOLDMERE HIT 5 TO GAIN FIRST WIN

<p>At last Boldmere finally found their shooting boots and hit Atlas FC for 5 on a bright and breezy morning at Braemar Road, Boldmere.<br />More players were missing and the squad was really stretched, with new signing Aaron Humphries making his debut and the gaffer only able to name 2 substitutes.<br />The 'Bulldogs' started comfortably with Aaron Humphries and Chris O'Brien prominent in Boldmere's early play. O'Brien's pace and direct running were causing Atlas problems and when a good through ball from Humphries sent him clear the Atlas keeper made a decent save. O'Brien was not to be denied and when a long punt up field from Boldmere keeper Steven Cullen sent him clear, he finished emphatically to give the 'Bulldogs' the lead. Boldmere were now well on top with skipper Paul Brady and Nattress dominating the midfield. On 21 minutes the referee awarded a dubious penalty to Boldmere when O'Brien's cross was 'allegedly' handled in the box. Greg Nattress stepped up but fired hopelessly wide! Once again 10minutes later O'Brien was threatening and this time a more obvious penalty was given when he was upended in full flight. Liam Hannon stepped up and dispatched the penalty with aplomb. Aaron Humphries was making Boldmere tick now and on several occasions created several guilt edged chances that were woefully missed........H/T 0-2 to Boldmere.<br />The second half started with Boldmere slightly off the pace, but then when an excellent free kick from Hannon was expertly finished off by the determined Nattress, this got them going again.<br />Atlas were in truth not too much of a threat, with the Boldmere back 4 coping with ease........ Which is why their goal came as a bit of a surprise when the Atlas forward turned sharply and rolled his finish into the corner.<br />This sparked Boldmere into life and with the newly introduced substitute Tom Shakespeare, along with man of the match Paul Brady and Nattress prominent they were dictating play for the 'Bulldogs'. It was no surprise therefore when Boldmere stretched their lead when the hard working Olly Nicholson (pictured below) finished well after some excellent work by the impressive Humphries. Thats 3 in 3 now for the constantly improving Nicholson.

<p>10 minutes later Humphries was at it again, this time his excellent work was expertly finished off by the industrious James Duff.

<p><br />Olly Nicholson, 3 in 3

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<p>So thats the first 3 points in the bag, which will hopefully kick start Boldmere's season and introduce some much needed confidence and belief into the side.<br />Next week see the 'Bulldogs' travel to high flying division 1 side Hardwick Arms in the challenge cup