Match Report
Late Connolly and Bowers goals send Town through 3-2 in the Amateur Cup
Bollington Town edged past University of Manchester FC in the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup. An own goal gave Town a 1-0 half-time lead, and late strikes from substitute Joshua Connolly and Jake Bowers settled a tense cup tie.
Early Blow for Town
Ryan Hibbert went down injured in the second minute and was replaced by Daniel Williams.
Eastham Tests the Defence
Jake Eastham got an early shot on target, but it was blocked.
Milsom to the Rescue
A crucial interception from Philip Milsom stopped a University attack that looked certain to bring a goal.
Llorente Free Kick
Xavi Llorente put a free kick on target, but the keeper held it.
Richardson Solo Run
George Richardson dribbled past three players but dragged his shot wide.
Goal — Own Goal
Jake Eastham's delivery forced an own goal to put Bollington ahead. 1-0.
Goalmouth Scramble
Xavi Llorente and then Jake Bowers both hit shots on target in a frantic spell in the box, and Town won a corner.
Earith Denied
Alfie Earith hit a shot on target, but it was saved.
Hodgson Goes Close
Philip Milsom set up Jacob Hodgson, whose shot went wide of the post.
Bowers Cross Gathered
Jake Bowers whipped in a dangerous cross, but the keeper claimed it to keep it 1-0 at the break.
Connolly Introduced
Joshua Connolly came on for Philip Milsom at the restart.
University Fight Back
University of Manchester hit back after the break, with goals from Brenan Moore and substitute Jack Myers turning the tie around.
Goal — Joshua Connolly
Substitute Joshua Connolly made his mark, finding the net to bring Town level.
Goal — Jake Bowers
Jake Bowers struck three minutes later to put Bollington back in front. 3-2.
Seen Out
Ruben Adrio came on for Xavi Llorente as Town held on to reach the next round.
Connolly and Bowers struck late to send Town through after University had fought back.
Match Verdict
Bollington had the better of a busy first half. Xavi Llorente, Jake Bowers and Alfie Earith all tested the keeper before an own goal from Jake Eastham's delivery gave Town a deserved 1-0 lead at the break, despite losing Ryan Hibbert to injury inside three minutes.
University of Manchester came out strongly in the second half and turned the game around through Brenan Moore and Jack Myers. Town responded late on: half-time substitute Joshua Connolly scored on 82 minutes and Jake Bowers won it three minutes later.
A cup tie that showed real character from the squad, with Town finding a way to win when it mattered.
Team Lineups
Bollington Town
- Jake Bowers⚽ 85'
- Jacob Hodgson
- Osvaldo CostaSub 75'
- Alfie Earith13'
- Jake Eastham
- Ryan HibbertSub 3'
- Matthew Joyce
- Xavi LlorenteSub 90'
- Finn Manning
- Philip MilsomSub 45'
- George Richardson
Substitutes
- Daniel Williams3'
- Joshua Connolly45'⚽ 82'
- Ivan Otono75'
- Ruben Adrio90'
University of Manchester FC
