BOLTON Under-14s missed out on a place in the final of the Manchester Schools FA Inter Association Cup when they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester on Saturday.
The local lads never reached their usual standards in a disappointing performance at Hulme Grammar School.
They started the stronger team with Declan Baldwin (Rivington and Blackrod) and Callum Birchall (St Joseph's) both going close with shots that skimmed across goal in the opening 10 minutes.
But they fell behind on 15 minutes and never applied enough sustained pressure to deny the home side a place in the final.
After a tense first half in which both teams seemed careful not to make any mistakes, Manchester stepped up a gear after the break and Bolton had to rely on a resolute defence led by outstanding centre half Luke Harrison (Rivington and Blackrod).
Hopes were raised briefly when Bolton got a free kick within shooting distance on the hour, but Teddy Moulden's (Thornleigh) effort was straight at the keeper.
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