It was another very mild day at the Abbey Stadium as the men in amber took on Bolton Wanderers. A crowd of 6819 including 1379 from the north west prepared to watch what would turn out to be quite an exciting game. Of course it was remembrance weekend so wreaths and the last post were notable moments. The minutes silence was impeccably observed. I had the privilege with 3 of my former RAF colleagues, resplendent with ties, blazers and medals, Gordon Brook, Maurice McNeish and Nick Turpin of selling poppies to the very generous support from both sides prior to the game. These wonderful people who contributed so much in recognition of the fallen. Finally after handing in our remaining poppies and buckets of cash we walked back in front of the south stand to regain our place in the Habbin. At this time many of the Bolton fans stood and applauded us as we walked by, a truly humbling experience. Our civilian colleagues including my brother Andy receiving the same recognition.
Onto the game with the U’s changing ends and attacking the NRE in the first half. The U’s made two changes with Williams and Lankester returning. Former u Jack Iredale had an early effort blocked before Joe Ironside had a header saved low down. Dempsey for the visitors then had a long range effort cleared before Kachunga of Bolton unwisely took on United’s biggest player, Lloyd Jones. Both men squared up to each other but it was really handbags at 20 paces, both men though earned a yellow each from RAF referee Darren Drysdale. Morley then shot high and wide for the visitors before Harvey Knibbs fired in an effort again saved low down.
A number of fouls littered the game and referee Drysdale had his hands full in keeping the game going. Johnston for Bolton had another effort blocked before Kyle Dempsey earned himself a yellow for a poor tackle on Jack Lankester. Kachunga shot over following good work from giant defender Santos, that was close and cleared the bar by only six inches or so. Lewis Simper then laid on a good pass for Harvey Knibbs but the effort was blocked. A header from Lloyd Jones following a corner then flashed wide. Conor Bradley for the visitors then received a daft booking for an unnecessary handball. Half time came at 0-0.
The second half kicked off with the sun going down and it turned a little cooler. Not so on the pitch as this entertaining game swung from end to end. Barely moments in, great play by Lankester set up Harvey Knibbs from about 10 yards but his effort was well saved by keeper Trafford, it was the best chance so far and it should have been a goal. As the game continued at a ferocious pace, Lankester of United and Bradley of Bolton had efforts charged down. Charles and Bradley for the visitors had further efforts high and wide. Simper swung over a corner, well met by Lloyd Jones but his header was saved. Jack Lankester then fired over when well placed. Bakayoko headed over from a cross for Bolton before Paul Digby then fouled Dempsey to earn himself a yellow.
Dempsey then fired in an effort saved low down by Mannion. Then James Brophy went on a run down the left wing before bring cut down by Jones. The Bolton man earned a booking for his efforts. The industrious Lankester fired over after receiving a pass from Digby. Bolton then replaced Kachunga with Afolayan. Jones for Bolton had a clear chance following a corner which he headed wide. Digby had been fouled in the lead up but the referee appeared to award a goal kick. Then following a fast break by the home team saw Knibbs blatently obstructed in full flight by Dempsey. A second yellow followed by a red saw the Bolton man sent from the field. Bolton replaced Charles and Iredale with Thomason and Beck. Then United responded by changing Brophy and Lankester with Sam Smith and Shilow Tracey.
Joe Ironside, who had been awarded a number of free kicks in this game for a change saw Santos of Bolton booked for fouling the United forward. Thomasons shot was blocked before Morley fired from outside the area his effort about a yard wide. United finished the game on the attack as the 10 men held firm. However the U’s had a great chance in the 6th minute of stoppage time with Knibbs having an effort well saved by Trafford. This frantic game ended moments later with Sam Smith on the ground and this goalless but hard fought game could not find a winner, both sides had their chances.
This is a big week for the U’s with financial gain to be made on Tuesday’s FA Cup replay before another important home game v Accrington, it’s roller coaster time now.
Richard Stephen