Mr P reflects on U'15 @ Bolton

Both teams were missing key players for their first games of the season played in glorious early Autumn sunshine. The first ten minutes were evenly balanced with chances at both ends, but thereafter Bolton gradually found their form. The commitment and discipline shown by the Hulme team was encouraging, exemplified by the work ethic of Ben Rothery up front. A string of fine saves by Andrew Tarpey kept the scores level come the half time whistle.

Bolton’s dominancy grew in the second half but some last ditch tackling and the impressive goalkeeping of Man of the Match Andrew Tarpey illustrated Hulme’s determination not to let Bolton score. With only minutes to go Sam Mellor’s excellent strike would have secured an unlikely victory but for an excellent save by Bolton’s goalkeeper. The final result was 0-0.