BOLDMERE GRIND OUT VICTORY TO STAY TOP

<p>In their first fixture of the new year, Boldmere ground out a 0-1 victory against Coldfield Rangers in a tough encounter at Foley Road to move 3 points clear at the top of the table.<p>With 4 players missing, (Paul Davis was away. James Duff and Craig Oates were both still injured and Greg Nattress was suffering with flu symptoms), the 'Bulldogs' were still able to name 4 substitutes for this game. The gaffer was able to name the same starting line up as in the last fixture before Christmas. Tom Shakespeare, Rhys Coombes, Olly Nicholson and Tom Duggan were the substitutes.<p>With Boldmere's nearest rivals playing in an outside cup competition, Boldmere knew that nothing but a win would suffice in their quest to maintain and improve their top of the table status.<p>The game started and Boldmere were unusually lack luster in the early exchanges. It has to be said that the pitch was a great leveler, but it was Coldfield that had the better of the early stages of the game. Defensively Boldmere looked solid enough once again and Coldfield did not really trouble Steve Cullen too much. Without playing their usual flowing football of late the 'Bulldogs' soon got a foot hold in the game and created several half chances of note but sadly failed to capitalize on any of these. So half time came with the score at 0-0.<p>Second half and Boldmere started to control the game a little more, however their usual quality was missing with several players performing way below their expected levels. Any threat that Coldfield posed was quickly nullified by the Boldmere rearguard, with John Haycock in particular in outstanding form.<p>In the 66th minute Boldmere produced a moment of class to take the lead. Paul Brady marauded forward in midfield before releasing Liam Hannon clear on the right. Hannon pushed forward before crossing a great low ball into the danger area, there was birthday boy Aaron Humphries who swept home from 6 yards.<p>In truth Boldmere just deserved their lead. Coldfield huffed and puffed but Boldmere held firm for their third clean sheet in their last 4 league games and the game ended with a well earned 0-1 victory to the 'Bulldogs'<p>Boldmere were solid as a unit which gave them the foundation to win this game. They were not at their best, but have recently set the bar high in terms of performance. Hopefully this has blown away the cobwebs from the Christmas break and Boldmere can continue to push on and return to their recent levels of performance............ starting next week!! #WeGoAgain