BULLDOGS TRIUMPH IN TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH

Boldmere came into this colossal game knowing that a win was vital to maintain their title push.

The gaffer named the same side as last week, with the same 5 substitutes.

There was a decent crowd in attendance and Boldmere started brightly. They pressurized Sportsmans from the off and pushed them back constantly, forcing errors and creating opportunities for the lively Che O'Connor and Liam Hannon up front. There was an opportunity in the 25th minute for the 'Bulldogs' to take the lead, but after Aaron Humphries had rounded the keeper the Sportsman defender made a last ditch tackle to clear the ball. Every Boldmere player was working tirelessly for the cause and never allowing the Sportmans to threaten Steve Cullens goal. Tom shakespeares corner in the last few minutes crashed against the bar with the Sportsmans keeper beaten. Half time came with the score 0-0 in a very competitive first half.

The second half started and Boldmere were asked to defend as Sportsmans came at them. Paul Davis, John Haycock and Adam Mills were resolute though and with Brady, Dawber and Humphries breaking down the midfield play, Boldmere looked strong. Che O'connor then missed a golden opportunity to give the 'Bulldogs' the lead when he was clean through, but he fluffed his shot and the keeper saved with ease. In the 68th minute Boldmere grabbed the goal that their play deserved. Influential Skipper Paul Brady swung in a fantastic cross and when John Haycock missed his header there was Che O'Connor to head home gleefully. Gaps were starting to appear now in the Sportsmans rearguard with Boldmere constantly probbing for the all important second goal. It finally came in the 75th minute when Liam Hannon slipped a slide rule pass into Paul Bradys feet on the right side of the box, Brady took one touch before firing an unstoppable shot high into the net for an excellent goal.

Sportsmans poured forward, but every Boldmere player defended brilliantly. John Haycock was a colossus at the centre of defence, but in truth EVERY Boldmere player was. In the final seconds the referee awarded a penalty when Brady inadvertently handled inside the box. It was despatched with ease. Seconds later the final whistle blew and the 'Bulldogs' were triumphant with a quite brilliant 2-1 victory.

That was easily Boldmere's performance of the season and was their 14th league win on the trot, in what has been an unbelievable season in itself.

With 3 tough fixtures remaining in the league and a Cup semi final to come, Boldmere will endeavor to hit those levels for EVERY remaining game to achieve their just rewards.

Next week the 'Bulldogs' complete their away complement of fixtures when they travel to a much improved AFC Sutton in their quest for 3 more valuable points

#WeGoAgain