Bolton Men's 1s 3, Morecambe 0: BOLTON went into the game with few hopes left of securing the title this season but the thought has relaxed the team in the last few games and they are producing the type of free flowing hockey that has secured two titles in the last five years.
Missing two regulars, Bolton took to the field with a patched up defence but were still too strong for Morecambe and came away with a 3-0 victory.
Chris Dean came in from the second team to play at sweeper, not even his normal position. Andrew Chadwick, carrying an injury throughout the game, slotted in at right back. Both performed excellently throughout the game and it was hard to tell Bolton were below strength.
Bolton started brightly and attacked the Morecambe goal at will. Matthew Short and Steve Way were excellent on the flanks and John Woods and Martin Luke controlled the game in the middle of midfield.
Bolton had the ball in the back of the net twice through Chris Aitken only to be denied by infringements. However, they were not to be denied just before the break. A great run by Simon Monte resulted in the ball finding its way to Aitken on the edge of the 'D'. His turn and exquisite shot left the keeper with no chance to give Bolton the lead.
After the break, Bolton continued where they left off. Monte came close before Short doubled the lead. A good move led to the ball being passed out to Short, wide on the right. He cut in and his cross come shot found its way passed the stranded keeper, clearly distracted by Aitken's run across the front of him.
Aitken, Way and Monte were, by now, attacking at will. Chances came and went with the Morecambe keeper finally earning some plaudits with a couple of great saves. It was left to the last action of the day for Bolton to increase their lead. Woods switched a well-worked short corner to left back Toby Jones. He calmly bided his time before lifting the ball over the diving keeper.
With leaders Preston losing on Saturday for the first time this season, Bolton travel there next week with renewed confidence. The title race may not be over after all. It remains to be seen if Preston can hang onto their lead in the nerve racking ending to the season.
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