Match Report
Town twice pegged back before battling to a 3-2 win at Skelmersdale
Bollington Town made it back-to-back wins with a five-goal thriller at Skelmersdale Town, going ahead twice only to be hauled back to level terms on both occasions. A rasping late finish from Jake Bowers, his second assist of the afternoon coming from Osvaldo Costa, proved the difference as Town held on for a 3-2 win.
Penalty — Alfie Earith
Muhammad Abdullah Butt was fouled in the box inside the opening minutes, and Alfie Earith sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot. 0-1.
Milsom Header Saved
Philip Milsom rose highest to meet a cross but his header was well held by the Skelmersdale keeper.
Stoppage for Eastham Injury
Play was halted for treatment to Jake Eastham after a heavy knock to the head.
Butt Effort Comfortable for Keeper
Muhammad Abdullah Butt couldn't get enough power behind his shot, and the keeper stopped it on the line.
Corner Cleared Off the Line
Jake Bowers won a corner and swung it in for Philip Milsom, whose header was hacked clear by the Skelmersdale centre-back.
Butt Forced Off Injured
Muhammad Abdullah Butt was unable to continue after picking up an injury and was replaced by Osvaldo Costa.
Joyce Double Save
Matthew Joyce produced two saves in quick succession to keep Town's lead intact.
Costa Denied in the Scramble
Osvaldo Costa forced a save out of the keeper as Town worked a shot on target in a goalmouth scramble.
Joyce Busy Again
Matthew Joyce made a string of saves after Skelmersdale broke through down the left past Daniel Williams.
Milsom Header Off the Line
Philip Milsom headed clear off the goal-line to deny the equaliser, conceding a corner that Town defended solidly.
Costa Shot Saved
Osvaldo Costa drove forward down the right wing and forced another save, winning a corner in the process.
Seye Denied
Xavi Llorente picked out Mouhamadou Bamba Seye in the box, but his shot was saved by the keeper.
Bowers Header Wide
Philip Milsom's cross found Jake Bowers, but his header drifted wide of goal.
Milsom Header Saved
Jake Bowers crossed for Philip Milsom, whose header was saved by the keeper.
Skelmersdale Level
A cross came in from a wide position and the Skelmersdale striker headed home, drawing the hosts level against the run of play. 1-1.
Bowers Wins Free-Kick
Jake Bowers was fouled just outside the box on the right to win a free-kick as the half drew to a close.
Osvaldo Costa (RW)
Man of the Match
Goal — Mouhamadou Bamba Seye
Town were back in front almost immediately after the restart. A fast, direct attack was finished superbly by Mouhamadou Bamba Seye, teed up by Osvaldo Costa. 1-2.
Joyce Save
Matthew Joyce made another important save to preserve Town's lead.
Corner Defended
Town defended a Skelmersdale corner comfortably.
Opponent Booked
A Skelmersdale player was shown a yellow card for a mistimed tackle.
Llorente Effort Off Target
Mouhamadou Bamba Seye's cross found Xavi Llorente in the box, but his effort missed the target.
Seye On for Seye
Abdoul Seye replaced Mouhamadou Bamba Seye.
Crucial Joyce Save
Matthew Joyce produced a crucial save to keep out a Skelmersdale effort and preserve Town's advantage.
Penalty Appeal Waved Away, Opponent Booked
Matthew Joyce won the ball in a challenge, and the Skelmersdale forward was booked for diving as Town were awarded a goal kick.
Skelmersdale Level Again
Skelmersdale fought back for a second time to draw level. 2-2.
Hibbert Just Short
Ryan Hibbert couldn't quite get on the end of a dangerous ball crossed into the box.
Opponent Booked
A Skelmersdale player was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Xavi Llorente.
Hodgson On for Hibbert
Jacob Callum Hodgson replaced Ryan Hibbert.
Goal — Jake Bowers
Town retook the lead for a second time. Osvaldo Costa delivered a cross for Jake Bowers to finish. 2-3.
Richardson on Target
George Richardson forced a save with a shot on target, winning a corner.
Kilroe On for Llorente
Georgie Kilroe replaced Xavi Llorente.
Late Flurry Denied
Town went in search of a fourth in stoppage time, but shots on target from Osvaldo Costa, Jake Bowers, and Georgie Kilroe were all saved.
Twice pegged back and twice responding, Town's resolve — and a rasping late Jake Bowers finish — saw off Skelmersdale in a five-goal thriller.
Match Verdict
Bollington Town made it back-to-back wins with a rollercoaster 3-2 victory at Skelmersdale Town. Alfie Earith opened the scoring from the penalty spot inside the first minute after Muhammad Abdullah Butt was fouled in the box, but the hosts hauled themselves level before the break despite Matthew Joyce and Philip Milsom repeatedly denying them in between.
Town regained the lead almost immediately after the restart through Mouhamadou Bamba Seye, teed up by Osvaldo Costa, only for Skelmersdale to fight back for a second time on 74' after Matthew Joyce had kept Town ahead with a string of important saves. Town would not be denied though, Jake Bowers converting another Osvaldo Costa cross on 81' to restore the lead for good, and Town saw out a frantic finish that produced three more saved efforts in stoppage time.
A fantastic team performance and a gritty response to going behind twice on the scoreboard. Thoughts go out to Muhammad Abdullah Butt, who was forced off with a broken fibula early in the game — get well soon, Mo.
Team Lineups
Bollington Town
- Jake Bowers⚽ 81'
- Muhammad Abdullah ButtSub 13'
- Alfie Earith⚽ 1'
- Jake Eastham
- Ryan HibbertSub 79'
- Matthew Joyce
- Xavi LlorenteSub 87'
- Philip Milsom
- George Richardson
- Mouhamadou Bamba Seye⚽ 46'Sub 68'
- Daniel Williams
Substitutes
- Jacob Callum HodgsonOn 79'
- Osvaldo CostaOn 13'
- Georgie KilroeOn 87'
- Abdoul SeyeOn 68'
