Bolton Dolphins 3 – 3 St Andrews Rockets

A frosty morning saw the Rockets travel away to meet the Bolton County Dolphins, no doubt with the Dolphins looking to avenge their 5-2  reverse at St Andrews in November – Dolphins have long memories .......

The Rockets line up again had an attacking look about it with the skill of Beck and Callum matched by the shooting power of Jack as a front three.

The match started with the Rockets dominating play and having most of the chances, with good distribution from Lewis, between the sticks for his debut in the starting line up. Early chances for Beck and Callum came from the right hand side but were well defended by the Dolphins.

After 10 minutes, the Rockets were punished for not being able to convert their early pressure into a goal and a break-away from the home side saw them tap home for the first goal of the morning 1-0 to the Dolphins.

The Rockets responded well and after 15 minutes were rewarded with a corner that was swung in nicely by Beck to be scrambled home by Ben making it 1-1 – it was going to be one of those mornings ! Shortly after the Dolphins no 10 made a strong run down the right wing and finished well – 2-1 Dolphins ...

Just before half time, this was a crucial period of the match with the Dolphins looking on top. Another breakaway saw them two on one with Lewis who bravely came out ensuring the striker shot wide. The debut keeper was unlucky to be injured in the challenge and limped off, but in the knowledge that he had kept the Rockets in the game.

That gave the away side the boost they needed leading to a great strike from Beck that could only be kept out by the Dolphins defenders hand – Penalty, converted beautifully to make it 2-2. The crowd were again being  treated to a rollercoaster ride and if there had been any seats we would have all been on the edge of them.

The second half was no better for the heart, with a real flow of end to end play, both sides making their managers proud. The Rockets showed again what a great team they are with Tom at the back being the foundation for a confidence that grew as the game progressed.

It was Rockets pressure towards the end of the game with two chances being cleared off the Dolphins line. Then the ball broke out to Beck, the crowd all stopped breathing,.... Smack !! – a shot rifled into the top corner of the home sides net – surely the winning goal 2-3.

But of course, there is a new phrase in footballing parlance this year – ‘Fergie Time’ and it was deep into this when the tired Rockets failed to clear the ball which was gratefully poked home – 3-3. And the final whistle.

A neutral may have said this was the right result after such a great game but the Partisan Rockets crowd disagreed . The boys put in great effort again and deserved better .........

MOM : Beck