Town put five past Middlewich in comfortable home win
Bollington Town put in a strong all-round performance at Congleton High School on Saturday, running out 5–1 winners against Middlewich Town in a match that was largely comfortable from early on.
First Half
2'
Early Chance
Joshua Connolly drove at the Middlewich defence and whipped in an ambitious shot that narrowly missed — a statement of intent that put the visitors on notice.
8'
Shot on Target
Connolly tested the Middlewich goalkeeper with a driven effort, the two colliding as Josh bravely drove into the box. The keeper held on, but the pressure was building rapidly.
10'
Goal — Daniel Williams
A goal kick from Matthew Joyce found Alfie Earith, who laid the ball off to Daniel Williams. Williams took it first time from distance and found the net. 1–0.
11'
Goal — Joshua Connolly
Within sixty seconds, the lead was doubled. A ball in from George Richardson caught the Middlewich goalkeeper in no man's land — he slipped at the wrong moment, allowing Joshua Connolly to round him and tap into an empty net. 2–0.
13'
Goal — Zak Mousa
Zak Mousa, receiving a ball from Josh Connolly, outpaced three defenders and the goalkeeper to slot home. A fine individual finish. 3–0.
17'
Chance
Ally Harrison beat his man on the left before his shot was saved by the goalkeeper.
24'
Goal — Daniel Williams
Daniel Williams picked the ball up around 30 yards out and drove forward before finishing to make it four. 4–0.
26'
Chance
A Beau Gatward corner caused some difficulty in the Middlewich box, with Zak Mousa getting his head to it, but the effort was blocked.
37'
Chance
Jake Eastham drove forward with intent and let fly with a dipping effort — another solid save from the Middlewich goalkeeper.
45'
Late Chance
A goalmouth scramble deep in injury time saw Harrison's shot blocked, with Connolly's attempted header from the rebound well held by the goalkeeper.
5
Goals Scored
3
Mins to 3 Goals
13+
Shots on Target
Second Half
62'
Chance
Substitute Callum Atkinson made an immediate impact with a clever ball through to Daniel Williams, who was unfortunately inches away from connecting cleanly.
65'
Goal — Middlewich Town
Middlewich Town pulled one back through Joe Weston — a rare lapse in concentration from Town's otherwise airtight defensive shape. 4–1.
67'
Goal — Zach Gatward
Bollington responded quickly. A foul on Jake Eastham gave a free kick; Callum Atkinson played it to Joshua Connolly, who teed up substitute Zach Gatward to finish well. 5–1.
73'
Chance
Jake Eastham continued to press forward, forcing a sharp save from the Middlewich goalkeeper with a well-struck effort.
75'-83'
Late Pressure
Ally Harrison twice tested the keeper — a free kick saved, followed by a second attempt after a corner, also dealt with.
89'
Final Chance
Callum Atkinson had a final shot on target, saved to round off a good afternoon's work.
Three goals in three minutes between the 11th and 13th gave Town a platform they never looked like relinquishing. The only question after that was how many.
Match Verdict
It was a comfortable afternoon's work from Bollington Town. The early burst of three goals in three minutes — between the 11th and 13th — effectively ended the contest, and Town managed the game well from there. Daniel Williams stood out with two goals, the second coming after a 50-yard run that was the highlight of the match.
Zak Mousa took his goal well and was a constant threat, while Zach Gatward made an impact off the bench with the fifth. Good service came throughout from Matthew Joyce, Beau Gatward, and Callum Atkinson after his introduction.
Middlewich's 65th-minute goal was no more than a consolation. Town were well worth the win.
