News 07/08

NEWARK FLOWSERVE V BOLSOVER TOWN

Sat 23rd March - By Dave Thomson

Boza made the trip to Newark for a half ten kick off due to their involvement in this years central midlands ground hop day. Boza had several players missing although they welcomed Barnett back into the fold.

Boza started the game well and Barber did well early on as he beat two defenders but the keeper blocked the shot. Boza controlled the early part of the game, Wharton and Newman both having efforts from the edge of the box just go wide.

After fifteen minutes Newark came into the game and a cross from the right just evaded there onrushing forward. Midway through the half during Newarks best spell they took the lead after a good move down the right a cross was headed home of the underside of the bar to give them the lead. This rocked Boza and five minutes later had a lucky escape when a superb volley from the edge of the box struck the post with keeper Briggs beaten.

Boza weathered the storm and finished the half well Barber again turning well in the box but could not get any power in his effort then a cross to the back post was headed away from the onrushing Newman. Just before half time Boza were reduced to ten men when Humphries was adjudged to have led with the elbow and was dismissed.

HALF TIME

NEWARK 1 0 BOZA

Boza came out strong in the second half and with the wind at their backs and you could not tell we had had a man reduced. Barber fired in an early shot which was saved by the keeper. Then ten minutes into the half and Gee effort was fumbled by the keeper and man of the match Robb was there to pounce and send the ball home.

Boza had the majority of possession after this as they pushed Newark back who only had the rare attack. Boza could not create any clear chances as they pressed although a cross from Newman was headed onto his own bar by a defender.

Newark nearly scored when OConnor deflected a cross but fortunately just went wide. Boza had plenty of efforts from distance but failed to trouble the keeper and when Lowde turned well in the box he was adjudged offside. The game seemed to be heading for a draw when Newark broke in the last minute and when the ball was squared in the box the player seemed certain to score but Briggs who had had nothing to do all the second half came of his line superbly to block the effort and the game ended level in front of a crowd of 262.

Boza needed three points to keep there slim title chances up but considering the days events they put in a good performance and were well worthy of the point and probably would have taken all three with eleven men on the park.

FULL TIME

NEWARK 1 1 BOZA

BOZA SCORER Robb 55min.

TEAM

Briggs, Robb, Evans, OConnor, Barnett(Thomson 85min) Whitehead, Humphries, Wharton, Barber, Gee (Lowde 65min), Newman.

SUB UNUSED Jackson.

BOLSOVER TOWN V THORNE COLLIERY

Saturday March 15th - By Dave Thomson

Boza played at home for the first time in three weeks looking for maximum points to stay in the top three against a struggling Thorne side.

Boza had the perfect start when a through ball wasnt dealt with by the Thorne defence and Wharton volleyed home the loose ball to give Boza the lead after two minutes. Boza looked to increase there advantage in the early stages but after ten minutes Thorne drew level when a far post cross was missed and although Briggs made the save the loose ball was tapped home from close range.

This gave Thorne some belief and rocked Boza but they soon started to dominate again and threatened to score on several occasions. Evans had a cross which just beat everyone then Newman had an effort just wide. Furness rose well but his header just went wide and a Parsons effort was blocked.

Boza regained the lead after twenty five minutes after good work by Barber who found Newman who was brought down in the box and Collins made no mistake from the spot. Five minutes later Boza had their third when Barber latched onto a through ball and coolly bent the ball round the keeper to give Boza a two goal advantage.

Boza dominated the later part of the half and better quality in the final third could have had more goals but had to settle for a two goal advantage at the interval.

HALF TIME

BOZA 3 - 1 THORNE

The second half started of a very scrappy affair but Thorne improved during this time and threatened more on the Boza goal without creating any clear cut chances. Boza started to try to walk the ball through the Thorne defence instead of playing the football which got them into this position.

Boza did manage to increase their advantage after sixty five minutes when Newman got played through and rounded the keeper to score from what looked an offside position.

Boza switched of five minutes later and got caught with a through ball and Thorne cut the deficit back to two goals. With ten minutes left Thorne should have got a third but a lob beat the advancing Briggs but fortunately went over the bar.

Boza had had plenty of chances to kill the game during this period but a mixture of poor final balls and finishing meant they had to wait until five minutes from time when Gee deflected a Barber shot past the keeper for his first goal of the season and Bozas fifth.

Boza gained a deserved win in a strange game with them playing good football at times but probably getting complacent at times to and could have made the game more comfortable but at this stage of the season the only requirement is three points.

FULL TIME

BOZA 5 - 2 THORNE

SCORERS Wharton 2mins, Collins 25min, Barber 30min, Newman 63min, Gee 85min.

TEAM

G.Briggs P.Robb L.Evans L.Collins(D.Gee 70min) R.Whithead(G.Lowde 60min) C.Humphries S.Wharton(G.Lowde70min) J.Parsons A.Barber D.Furness M.Newman

HARWORTH V BOLSOVER TOWN

By Dave Thomson March 1st

Boza made short trip to Harworth on a blustery day for their third consecutive away game.

Harworth had the advantage of the wind in the first half but failed to make the most of it as Boza produced a superb display in the first half. An early corner for Harworth saw Briggs come and collect and that was all he needed to do in the half as Boza controlled the game with some excellent football.

Furness nearly gave Boza the lead after fifteen minutes but his effort was well saved by the keeper. Boza continued to press and a Barber effort was blocked then a Robb cross was just cleared in time. Harworth won a couple of free kicks but the efforts failed to trouble Briggs.

Furness was then played in again but his effort was again well saved by the keeper as Boza pressed. Harworth had a volley from edge of the box which went over the bar but the half ended level with Boza in control.

HALF TIME

HARWORTH 0 0 BOZA

Boza looked to turn there impressive first half performance into goals with the wind advantage in the second half. Early pressure saw Barber have an effort cleared of the line but ten minutes into the half Wharton finished well after the keeper could only parry the ball away. Boza continued to press and M.Newman let fly from edge of the box but it was straight at the keeper and a Furness effort was scrambled clear by the Harworth defence. Boza doubled the lead on sixty minutes when Barber turned and fired an unstoppable shot from twenty five yards. Five minutes later Boza failed to clear the ball and the Harworth forward did well to score and give Harworth a lifeline. This seemed to lift Harworth and they pressed for equalizer with Wharton and Robb making last ditch tackles to prevent a strike on goal. Boza had chances on the break as Harworth pushed but the quality they showed early on had seemed to have disappeared as the final ball was poor although Furness had an effort cleared of the line.

In the last minutes Briggs had to be alert to come of his line to close the forward down and it proved to be the last attack as Boza held out for a deserved win.

FULL TIME

HARWORTH 1 2 BOZA

SCORERS S.Wharton 53min, A.Barber 60min

TEAM

G.Briggs P.Robb L.Evans L.Collins (G.Lowde 70min) R.Barnett (65min) C.Humphries S.Wharton J.Parsons A.Barber (R.Whitehead 80min) D.Furness M.Newman

ARMTHORPE V BOLSOVER TOWN

By Dave Thomson Feb 23rd

Boza traveled to bottom of table Armthorpe looking to get back on track after the previous weeks defeat.

Boza started the game strong and took the lead after three minutes when Parsons fired a superb volley into the roof of the net from the edge of the box. Boza dominated the game early on playing some neat football and Furness was inches wide with a header.

M.Newman did well down right on a couple of occasions but his crosses were blocked. Armthorpe had no threat early doors only having a couple of free kicks which caused Boza no problems.

Boza doubled there advantage after twenty minutes when a great through ball by Barber found Furness who finished in style to give Boza the lead their domination deserved.

On the half hour Boza gifted Armthorpe a way back into the game when Newman lost possession and with OConnor out of position the full back made the most of this and bent a great shot into the top corner.

Boza responded well and increased there league five minutes later when a Parsons free kick fell to Robb who hammed the ball home from close range. Boza conceded again on stroke of half time when a through ball looked to have caught the forward way offside but the linesmans flag unbelievably stayed down and he went on to finish.

HALF TIME

ARMTHORPE 2 V 3 BOZA

Boza came out and looked to kill the game of early doors and Wharton should have scored when he had open goal but his effort was blocked and then Robb got in at the far post but his effort went straight at the keeper.

Armthorpe then started to enjoy a spell of possession and pushed Boza back. Although they had plenty of the ball they failed to break the Boza defence with Collins and Humphries outstanding at the back. A couple of long range efforts just went wide as they pushed for an equalizer but Boza should have wrapped the game up with fifteen minutes left when sub Gee broke clean through but fired over the bar and then hit another volley over when well placed with five minutes left.

Armthorpe threw everything at Boza towards the end but they stood firm to gain three points which they made hard work of.

FULL TIME

ARMTHORPE 2 V 3 BOZA

SCORERS J.Parsons 3min, D.Furness 20min, P.Robb 35min.

TEAM

G.Briggs K.OConner L.Evans S.Wharton C.Humphries L.Collins M.Newman (L.Jackson 70min) J.Parsons A.Barber (D.Gee 60min) D.Furness P.Robb

SUB UNUSED D.Thomson

LOUTH UNITED V BOLSOVER TOWN

By Dave Thomson Feb 16th

Boza took a depleted squad to the long trip to Louth trying to keep in touch with the promotion pack.

With the change of positions for several players Boza struggled early on and conceded after five minutes. The Louth forward picked the ball up in his own half and was allowed to run with the ball to the Boza penalty area before being tackled by Briggs but the ball fell to a Louth player who fired home.

Boza had another escape five minutes later when a ball was played across the goal and was just too far for the onrushing forward. Boza seemed to settle after this and started to play some good football. Furness was unlucky when his header was cleared of the line and both Robb and Lowde were inches wide with shots from the edge of the box as Boza pressed for an equalizer but could not break through and went into the interval a goal behind.

HALF TIME

LOUTH 1 - 0 BOZA

Boza definately felt now they could get something out of the game and continued to push Louth back. A good run by Barber down the right saw his cross just behind Robb and he could not get any power in his effort and then M.Newman shot wide from the edge of the box.

The game changed within five minutes midway through the half when Barber challenged the keeper and then hooked the loose ball goal wards only to be blocked on the line by a Louth player arm and the referee waved away Bozas appeals. Another shocking decision for Boza away from home and five minutes later Louth doubled their lead after a poor pass by Evans they broke away and the forward was given time to turn in the box and slot the ball home.

Boza tried to get back into the game but it wasnt to be there day when a goal bound effort from Furness deflected onto the bar rebounded back hit another defender and the ball went for a corner. Louth did have a couple of chances on the break to increase there lead but both times missed with good opportunites and Boza had a chance near the end but Barbers effort was blocked and Boza faced a long trip back without any points.

Boza played some neat football and created several half chances but failed to create good chances although they probably did not deserve to lose the game Louth took there chances to gain the win.

FULL TIME

LOUTH 2 - 0 BOZA

TEAM

G.Briggs K.OConner L.Evans G.Lowde C.Humphries (R.Whitehead 77mins) B.Newman D.Gee (M.Tyson 65min) P.Robb A.Barber D.Furness M.Newman

SUB UNUSED D.Thomson

BOLSOVER TOWN V BLIDWORTH

Saturday 19th Jan - By Dave Thomson

Boza looked to get back to winning ways after being dumped out of the cup in the previous week and needed the three points to keep their promotion challenge on track.

Boza took the game straight to Blidworth and Barber did well turning in the box but his cross was blocked and then new signing Furness found himself clear but shot wide from an angle. Boza continued to dominate the game and Blidworth could not get there game going at all. Robb nearly scored at the far post and Hibbereds shot was easily saved by the keeper.

Boza took a deserved lead after thirty minutes when a Wharton cross was headed back across goal by Barber and Robb fired in at the back post. Blidworth only had rare attacks and the only threat came from a couple of free kicks which Boza dealt with, Briggs did save well from Vincent but the linesman flag was already up.

Boza continued to apply the pressure and the keeper made a great save from Barber then Furness who had an excellent game on his debut shot wide when clean through. The Blidworth keeper then made another good save from Furness but the linesman flag was up and Boza went in with a deserved lead but should have been by more.

HALF TIME

BOZA 1 - BLIDWORTH 0

Boza started second half well and twice got into good positions round the edge of the box but nobody shot and the chance was gone. Blidworth looked more of a threat in the second half and had a spell of pressure midway through the half. Briggs had to be alert coming of his line a couple of times and Boza dealt with the pressure well.

After this spell it was Boza who took control again and Hibberd had a goal bound effort blocked bu with seventeen minutes remaining a great through ball by Parsons put Newman in and his effort was blocked by what the referee seemed to have adjudged and arm and Collins made no mistake from the spot. Boza relaxed a little now but were saved twice by the linesman flag as Blidworth pushed people forward to try and get something from the game. Boza made the game safe when Tyson coolly lobbed the keeper from close range after a Whitehead flick on and gave Boza a deserved victory over the ninety minutes after a decent performance.

FULL TIME

BOZA 3 - 0 BLIDWORTH

Scorers Robb 30mins, Collins 73min, Tyson 85min.

TEAM G.Briggs L.Collins L.Evans P.Hibbered C.Humphries S.Wharton (G.Lowde 65min) M.Newman (M.Tyson 80min) J.Parsons A.Barber (R.Whitehead 75min) D.Furness P.Robb

BOLSOVER TOWN V LOUTH UTD

Sat 6th October - Dave Thomson

Boza moved to the top of the league by beating a strong Louth side that did have a player sent of early on.

Louth could have moved above Boza in the league with a victory but there task was made difficult when there centre half was sent off after five minutes after elbowing Whitehead. Even with ten men Louth looked the better side as Boza struggled early on. Louth should have scored when the forward broke clear but Briggs made a great save. Boza eventually started to perform a little midway through the half and an Evans shot was only parried by the keeper but was scrambled clear. Both Evans the Newman forced the keeper into good save as Boza final pressed although Louth looked dangerous on the break. From one of these breaks the forward found space in the box but volleyed wide. Boza then had the chance of the half when Lowde broke clear but with only the keeper to beat squared the ball to Whitehead who could not get there and the chance was gone. Just before half time Boza struck, a corner was knocked back into the box by Wharton and Whithead poked the ball home to give Boza a half time lead.

HALF TIME

BOZA 1 - 0 LOUTH

Louth played deep in the second half looking to catch Boza on the break which meant Boza had loads of possession but failed really to create many decent clear cut chances. Early in the half Whitehead headed just wide from a Newman cross and Lowde got round the back twice but his crosses were blocked. M.Newman was then put clear but he dragged his effort wide with just the keeper to beat. Sub Gee then did well on the right but again he fired wide. Boza always had to be alert on the break and from a spell of pressure midway through the half a shot from the edge of the box went inches wide. M.Newman was then put clear again but the defender managed to get back a block the effort and Parsons tried his luck from distance but the keeper comfortably saved. Boza did not make the game safe until there were five left when the keeper fumbled a corner under pressure from barber and Barnet stabbed the ball home. There was still time for Louth to nearly score but Briggs turned a free kick onto the post and then made a fantastic save from the rebounded to give Boza another clean sheet.

Not a great performance from Boza but at least they managed to get the points. FULL TIME

BOZA 2 - 0 LOUTH

SCORERS Whitehead 42min Barnett 85min

BOZA MOM Barnett

ATTENDANCE 30

TEAM

G.Briggs S.Wharton L.Evans P.Hibberd R.Barnett L.Collins G.Lowde J.Parsons R.Whitehead (S.Vincent 70min) M.Newman (A.Barber 80min) P.Robb (D.Gee 60min)

THORNE COLLIERY V BOLSOVER TOWN

Sat 15th Spet By Dave Thomson

A poor Boza performance saw them slip to only their second defeat of the season.

A poor game was played without much quality on a shocking pitch which should not be allowed at this standard. The game took ten minutes to settle down with both teams get used to the pitch and avoiding the mole hills. Its was Boza who had first sight of goal when the keeper clearance found Whithead who shot wide of an empty goal. Boza twice nearly got through but the keeper was quick of his line to prevent anything. Thorne never really troubled Briggs early on just a couple of long range efforts which were wide. Boza took the lead after twenty minutes when the ball fell to Whitehead in box whose shot was deflected in to give Boza the lead. Ten minutes later Thorne were level when Lowde failed to clear in the box and Thorne made the most of his mistake by scoring from close range. Robb nearly gave Boza the lead again when he beat the keeper to the ball but his header was just wide. Five minutes before half time Boza regained the lead when Lowde made up for his earlier error and raced onto a great through ball by Whitehead to slot the ball tome and give Boza a half time lead.

HALF TIME

THORNE 1 - 2 BOZA Boza started the second half poorly and gifted Thorne another goal after just five minutes when a cross found the forward unmarked in box and he cooly slotted the ball home. The game then went scrappy again as know team dominated the game at all but Boza then started to show some authority and Gee raced through to force a fine save from the Thorne keeper. Barnett then had a header cleared of the line and O'Hara also went close with a header. Briggs had to make a save when a poor B.Newman header fell to a Thorne player but his effort was saved by Briggs. Boza were trying to get the winner and Evans broke down the right his cross found Robb who blazed over from six yards. Thorne again nearly caught Boza on the counter attack but Briggs made a fine save to deny them. Boza looked favourites to get the winner but were dealt a cruel blow two minutes from time when a looping header found the top corner to give Thorne an undeserved lead. Boza still had time to create the best chance of the match when Barnett raced through clear on goal and as he tried to square the ball to the unmarked Robb it bobbled up and allowed the keeper to make the save.

Boza did not adapt to the conditions at all and paid the price for a sloppy performance although they had enough chances to win the game. I must say that the pitch was the worst I have seen at this level of football with a firm surface lack of grass and mole hills on the pitch it made for a poor quality game.

FULL TIME

THORNE 3 - 2 BOZA

TEAM

G.Briggs T.Marshall L.Evans S.Ohara P.Whitworth ( M.Newman 60mins) B.Newman G.Lowde P.Hibbered R.Whitehead (S.McMahon 60mins R.Barnett 65mins) D.Gee P.Robb

KINSLEY BOYS V BOLSOVER TOWN

Saturday 8th September - By Dave Thomson

Boza travelled to Wakefield to face top of table Kinsley in what was expected to be a tough game with both team having a decent start to the season.

Boza started the stronger of the two sides and took the game straight to Kinsley. Robb was causing problems and twice nearly got through only to be fouled at the last minute.

Lowde was then stooped with a last gasp tackle as Boza threatened to score and did so after fifteen minutes. Great skill down the right by Robb saw him leave his defender for dead and his cross was powerfully headed home by Whitehead to give Boza a deserved lead.

Boza continued to play the better football and Whithead was just wide with a glancing header and then Robb volleyed straight at the keeper. Kinsley came alive after about half an hour a cross from the right was superbly volleyed from the corner of the box but Briggs turned it over.

This followed a short spell of Kinsley pressure and they had a couple of balls go across the face of the box but never really troubled Briggs in the Boza goal. Boza finished strong and Gee had a shot flash across the face of goal then just on half time the ball fell to him in the box but his effort went straight at the keeper when he had more time.

HALF TIME

KINSLEY 0 - 1 BOZA

Boza started the second half well again looking for the second goal but could not create a clear chance. Humphries and Lowde both had efforts but didn't trouble the Kinsley keeper. As the game wore on Kinsley started to press Boza back and had a chance after sixty minutes but the effort was volleyed over from inside the box.

Kinsley put Wilson upfront with twenty five to go and he immediately caused problems as he went past three defenders but fortunately for Boza miskicked in front of goal. Boza were hanging on with players with knocks and tiring legs they faced an onslaught in the last twenty minutes.

Crosses came in from all angles but Briggs was outstanding in the Boza goal and managed to get something on most of them.

Lowde had to be alert when in looked as the Kinsley forward was in and cleared the danger then clearing a scramble from the goaline from the resulting corner. Briggs was then called up to make a superb near post stop and the rebounded was volleyed over.

Boza had a chance to kill the game with five minutes left but Robb shot straight at the keeper and back came Kinsley and the outstanding Humphries was then back to clear of the line as Kinsley looked for an equaliser. After six minutes of injury time and constant pressure Boza managed to hold on for a superb victory which left them level on points with the top of the table.

For an hour Boza were in control of the game but tired legs and injuries meant they were hanging on at end but a superb effort and commitment from the players got them through against a good side.

FULL TIME

KINSLEY 0 - 1 BOZA

GOAL Whitehead 15mins

BOZA MOM To hard to choose

TEAM

G.Briggs K.OConnor (T.Marshall 67mins) L.Evans C.Humphries P.Whitworth B.Newman G.Lowde P.Hibberd R.Whitehead (A.Barber 70mins) P.Robb D.Gee

SUB UNUSED M.Tyson

PARKHOUSE V BOLSOVER TOWN

Saturday 1st Sept - Dave Thomson

Boza made the short trip to face unbeaten Parkhouse for this local derby and again were having to make several changes.

Parkhouse started the brighter with Briggs twice making decent saves from angled shots as Parkhouse pushed. Boza were finding it difficult early on but started to get to grips with the game and after fifteen minutes the game became pretty much a midfield battle with no team dominating.

Parkhouuse did have the best chance after twenty minutes when Chambers ran onto a long through ball Briggs came of his line quick to block the first effort and then Collins was back on the line to clear for Boza.

Boza had to make to enforced changes after half an hour and then started to play some decent football. Lowde should have scored when found at the back post by Gee but hit the side netting. Two minutes later after a great run and shot the Parkhouse keeper pulled of a great save to deny Lowde. An even first half saw the sides come into the interval level.

HALF TIME

PARKHOUSE 0 - 0 BOZA

Boza started the second half the stronger and put Parkhouse under immediate pressure. Vincent intercepted a back pass and should have done better but the keeper saved and then he put an effort wide.

Boza now looked the more likely team to score as they pressed Parkhouse back, Parsons had an effort which went wide and after sixty minutes Parkhouse took the lead against the run of play when Boza failed to deal with a corner and a shot through a crowd of players was poked into the Boza goal to give Parkhouse the lead.

Boza tried to respond but were thwarted many times by the outstanding Crowther at the back for Parkhouse. It looked like it wasn't going to be Boza's day when Barber had an effort which hit the inside of the post and Lowde had his effort from the rebound saved and Parkhouse scrambled the ball clear.

Parkhouse looked dangerous on the break now as Boza pushed and Chambers should have wrapped the game up when he rounded Briggs but Ben Newman cleared off the line. Parkhouse also had a couple of decent efforts hitting the side stanchion and a volley just went over the bar but Boza never gave up and with three minutes remaining got their deserved equaliser.

O'Connor hit a cross from the right and the keeper misjudged the flight and it sailed over him into the net to give Boza a share of the result.

FULL TIME

PARKHOUSE 1 - 1 BOZA

BOZA SCORER OCONNER 87 MINS

BOZA MAN OF MATCH GREG LOWDE

TEAM:- G.Briggs K.OConner P.Robb P.Hibbered L.Collins (Whitworth 35 mins) B.Newman J.Parsons G.Lowde S.Vincent ( R.Whitehead 70 mins) D.Gee M.Newman ( A. Barber 25mins)

BOLSOVER TOWN V STANTON-ILKESTON

Monday 27th August - Dave Thomson

Bolsover needed to put the first reverse of the season behind them as they looked to get back on track on this bank holiday Monday fixture.

Boza started the brighter and Gee nearly scored after two minutes but his lob over the advancing keeper went wide. Boza continued with the early pressure as Vincent shot wide then McMahon did the same.

Parsons and Gee both had long range efforts which failed to test the keeper. Totally against the run of play Ilkeston took the lead with their first attack after fifteen minutes when Williams hooked the ball home. Boza tried to respond but were very sloppy although Hibberd headed just wide and Vincent had a goal ruled out for offside, the shaky Ilkeston defence then headed against their own post as Boza continued to press.

After thirty minutes Boza were level after a long ball wasn't dealt with by the Ilkeston defence and Parsons managed to prod the ball home. Boza continued to press and a good break from B.Newman nearly found Hibberd and the Ilkeston keeper managed to scramble a couple of efforts over the bar as the half finished level.

HALF TIME

BOZA 1 - 1 STANTON - ILKESTON

Boza again started the half strong but actually scored from a breakaway. Boza broke quick from an Ilkeston attack and Vincent put McMahon in the clear who finished well.

Boza then should have put the game to bed having some good possession but failed in their final ball. Ilkeston were trying to catch Boza on the break and managed to do this on a rare attack when Williams dispossessed Humphries and his cross was turned into his own net by Collins.

Boza should have had this game out of sight by now and had to battle to get the winner. Evans was making great runs down the left but nobody was on the end of the crosses and all Bozas efforts seemed to be blocked. Harvey in the Ilkeston goal then made a great save from Whitworth but with fifteen minutes left Whitworth again had a free header and this time made no mistake to give Boza the lead.

Boza continued to dominate and Vincent had a shot blocked with Lowde then Gee nearly getting through. Boza had to defend a couple of corners late on with B.Newman making a good block but Boza held firm for a deserved three points even though the performance wasn't great.

FULL TIME

BOZA 3 - 2 STANTON ILKESTON

SCORERS BOZA ; Parsons 30, McMahon 48, Whitworth 74.

ILKESTON Williams 15, Own Goal 60.

BOZA MAN OF MATCH LEE EVANS

TEAM:-

G.Briggs K.OConner L.Evans C.Humphries L.Collins (P.Whitworth 65min) B.Newman J.Parsons P.Hibberd (G.Lowde 70min) S.Vincent S.McMahon D.Gee

SUB UNUSED M.Tyson

ATTENDANCE 60

BOLSOVER TOWN V CALVERTON MW

Saturday August 25th - Dave Thomson

Bolsover's first of 2 home matches over the bank holiday weekend was against Calverton who had had a good start to the season. Boza had no fewer than six players unavailable from last Tuesday's victory against Blidworth.

Calverton put Boza under early pressure with several crosses raining in on the goal but they stood firm and had the first real chance after ten minutes when Lowde controlled the ball well but hit his effort wide when in sight of the goal.

Calverton dominated for long periods and should have scored with a couple of free headers but both failed to trouble Briggs. On a rare Boza attack, Hibberd hit an effort over the top and McMahon drilled an effort wide as Calverton continued to have most of the play and had a couple of penalty appeals waved away as they dominated.

Briggs had to be alert and be quick of his line to block another Calverton effort and a couple of long range efforts drifted wide. Calverton had plenty of play in the first half and perhaps should have come into the interval in front but Boza held on to keep the scores level.

HALF TIME

BOZA 0 - 0 CALVERTON

Calverton came out strong again and were ahead within ten minutes of the restart when the ball bounced off Vincent away from the Boza midfielders to leave Calverton clear and they made no mistake in taking the chance.

Boza then came under pressure and Briggs tipped one round the post another effort hit the post as Boza hung on. Midway through the half Boza broke clear and were given a lifeline as Gee was fouled in the box. Skipper B. Newman made no mistake from the resulting spot kick to bring the scores level.

Boza then had their best spell and Vincent should have played McMahon in when through but could only hit weak effort to the keeper. Lowde then had effort just wide and Gee turned well in box but shot wide. This was Bozas best spell and Calverton came back at them and camped in the Boza half for the last fifteen minutes.

Briggs again did well to save an effort and a free header at the back post was missed along with an open goal. Boza looked like they were going to hang on for a point but with four minutes left they allowed a free header in the box and this time Calverton made no mistake. Boza pressed for equalise but were caught right at the death and Calverton ran out deserved winners.

A poor performance by Boza but with so many players missing, changing the side and players playing their first game of the season we knew it was going to be difficult and so it proved although it was a good effort from the Boza lads.

FULL TIME

BOZA 1 - 3 CALVERTON

SCORERS BOZA B. NEWMAN 67MINS

TEAM:-

G.Briggs T.Marshall (D.Gee 55mins) L.Evans P.Blakemore K.OConnor B.Newman J.Parsons P.Hibberd S.Vincent S.McMahon G.Lowde

SUBS UNUSED P.Whitworth M.Tyson

ATTENDENCE 40

BLIDWORTH MW V BOLSOVER TOWN

Boza ended Blidworths unbeaten start to the season with a great performance at the league leaders.

Blidworth came out quick but Boza soon started to get into their stride playing some neat football and putting the home side under pressure. This spell got its reward after fifteen minutes when a great move found Parsons on edge of the box whose square ball was brilliantly whipped in by McMahon and Vincent did the rest with a terrific header to give Boza the early advantage.

Blidworth tried to get back into the game and Evans nearly scored an own goal when his clearence just missed the post. Boza came back strong and Parsons had a great chance from a corner but he fired over when well placed.

A long range effort was easily saved by Briggs but Boza had a let off after thirty minutes when a Blidworth player had a free header but missed the target. Boza always looked dangerous going forward and nearly scored twice just before half time when a Martin Newman effort dipped just over the bar and on the stroke of half time. A Evans then corner found Vincent at the back post but his header hit the side netting.

HALF TIME

BLIDWORTH 0 - 1 BOZA

Blidworth had a decent spell at the beginning of the second half when a couple of times they nearly split the Boza defence but good cover from Collins and Robb prevented any attempt on goal. Blidworths lively forward then who had caused problems at the start of this half then found space a couple of times but his efforts from the edge of the box went straight to Briggs who handled them well.

After withstanding the early pressure Boza came out again and should have doubled their advantage with two quick chances in succession. First brilliant work from McMahon on the right saw his cross found Vincent who seemed certain to score but his downward effort bounced and went over the bar.

Then good work on the left again found Vincent who laid of to Hibberd who blazed over the bar when well placed. Blidworth then had their best chance of the match so far when Ben Newman misjudged a header to leave the forward through but Briggs was out quick to deflect the shot over the bar.

Blidworth then had free kick which was deflected wide as they pushed bodies forward in search of an equliser but Boza again missed a great chance when Gee's perfect cross found Vincent but his effort trickled wide. Sub Gee who caused problems for Blidworth then broke down the left he then chose to shoot when he probably should have squared it and hit the side netting.

Blidworth then pushed Boza back for last ten minutes and a right wing cross was missed by everyone but fortunately for Boza a Blidworth player blazed over the bar from close range when it seemed easier to score. A cross was then dropped by Briggs, whose handling had been great all night, but Evans was on hand to clear and Boza held out for a great victory.

A deserved victory for Boza over the ninety minutes but missed chances could have cost them in the end as Blidworth finished strong.

FULL TIME

BLIDWORTH 0 - 1 BOZA

SCORER VINCENT 15MINS

BOZA MAN OF MATCH CRAIG HUMPHRIES

TEAM:-

G.Briggs P.Robb L.Evans C.Humphries L.Collins B.Newman J.Parsons P.Hibberd S.Vincent (A.Barber 70mins) S.McMahon (K.OConnor 82mins) M.Newman ( D.Gee 63mins)

NEWARK TOWN V BOLSOVER TOWN

Saturday 18th August - Dave Thomson

Bolsover got a decent draw against a team they have struggled against in the past and on balance of play was probably a fair result.

Newark had much the better of the first half dominating for long periods but once again the Boza defence stood firm to restrict Newark to only one real chance. Newark took the game straight to Boza putting them under early pressure but only had a long range effort to show which failed to trouble Briggs.

Boza had a couple of attempts on goal from Vincent and McMahon from distance both went straight to the keeper. Newark kept pressing for the lead and midway through the half a midfielder broke through but his effort rebounded of the post and Boza cleared to safety.

Newark continued to press but did not create any clear cut chances a free kick which Briggs held on to well was the only effort on target although Boza were pleased to get to the break level.

HALF TIME

NEWARK 0 - 0 BOLSOVER

Boza produced a much better display in the second half and could have come away with three points. Newark won a couple of early corners which were dealt with by Boza who then started to play a bit of football.

Twenty minutes into the second half they created the best chance of the match with a good move down the left and Hibberd's effort was brilliantly saved by the Newark keeper. Newark were then nearly gifted a goal after a mix up with Briggs and Newman but Evans cleared the effort off the line.

Boza looked more dangerous now and a through ball by M.Newman nearly put McMahon through but it skidded off the surface to tighten his angle and the keeper saved. McMahon then put a great ball across the face of the goal but nobody could get on the end of it, Gee then did exactly same but again nobody was there for Boza.

Both teams had scrambles in the oppositions penalty areas in which both defences blocked efforts on goal. Gee nearly won it for Boza after an M.Newman cross his goal bound effort was superbly saved by the Newark keeper and the scores remained goalless.

An improved second half display saw Boza get a point after poor first half in which they didn't seem to get going but not a bad result away from home.

NEWARK 0 - 0 BOLSOVER

TEAM:-

G.Briggs P.Robb L.Evans C.Humphries L.Collins B.Newman J.Parsons P.Hibberd S.Vincent (D.Gee 60mins) S.McMahon (A.Barber 75mins) M.Newman

SUB UNUSED: K. OConner

BOZA MAN OF MATCH LIAM COLLINS

BOLSOVER TOWN V SUTTON TOWN

Tuesday 14th August - Dave Thomson

Bolsover produced a stunning display to hammer league favourites 4 - 1 at home on Tuesday evening.

Boza started brightly taking the game to Sutton and a long ball found Vincent racing through but he shot weakly at the keeper. Boza were causing all kinds of trouble in the Sutton defence and it was no surprise when Boza scored after ten minutes.

A superb cross by Evans was met by McMahon who headed home to give Boza a well deserved lead. Sutton tried to battle their way back into the game, having a small spell of pressure but Boza coped well and restricted them to crosses, without them creating a real goalscoring chance.

Indeed it was Boza who continued to look more dangerous, Vincent again nearly got through but was stopped at the last minute. Martin Newman then put a ball across face of the goal but it was just cleared by the Sutton defence.

Boza were playing excellent now and two goals within five minutes after half hour gave them a great lead.

A great ball, once again by Martin Newman found McMahon on the right whose power and pace beat the defender and his first time cross was slid home by Vincent. Sutton were rocked now and five minutes later good work by Vincent on the right saw his excellent cross slid home by Liam Collins to put Boza three up.

Sutton tried in vain to get back into the game before the interval but Boza stood firm without any serious problems and went into the interval with the three goal lead intact.

HALF TIME

BOLSOVER 3 - 0 SUTTON

Sutton, as expected started the second half strongly, taking the game to Boza and trying to rattle us but the lads stood very firm, giving very few opportunities to Sutton

A Pickers free kick was the only threat to Briggs goal who demanded his area superbly all evening, claiming plenty of crosses. Sutton seemed to run out of ideas after twenty minutes of the second half and Bolsover started to come into the game once more.

Boza started to play good football again and a great move down the left saw the ball laid back to sub Wharton who fired just wide. Sutton then had decent effort and Pickers volleyed over the bar and couple of goalmouth scrambles followed but Boza defenders did well and the outstanding Ben Newman got in a couple of vital blocks.

Boza made the game safe with twenty minutes left, Martin Newman rode two wild challenges out wide and put in another great cross for sub Barber who finished superbly to put the game beyond Sutton.

Boza then relaxed and enjoyed the last twenty minutes and Barber nearly got end of another cross and Robb caused problems down the left showing some great skill. Sutton managed a late consolation with ten minutes remaining when a cross was headed back across face of goal and Walker prodded the ball home.

There was still time for Robb to fire just over the bar when put through but the game ended with Sutton beaten comprehensively.

Nothing but praise can go to Boza after this performance, they completely out fought and out played a Sutton side that didn't seem up for the challenge on the night, Boza also scored some great goals and displays like this will see them at the top end of the table. Well done lads.

FULL TIME

BOLSOVER 4 - 1 SUTTON

SCORERS

BOZA McMahon 10, Vincent 24, Collins 29, Barber 70

SUTTON Walker 81.

MAN OF MATCH BOZA BEN NEWMAN

TEAM

G.Briggs L.Collins L.Evans C.Humphries R.Barnett ( S.Wharton 62min) B.Newman J.Parsons P.Hibbered S.Vincent ( A.Barber 62min) S.McMahon M.Newman ( P.Robb 76min)

ATTENDANCE 100

BOLSOVER TOWN V HARWORTH COLLIERY

Saturday 11th August - Dave Thomson

Bolsover's first match of the season ended in a disappointing goalless draw after dominating much of the game.

Boza started the match brightly taking the game straight to there opponents. McMahon put to great early crosses in one which was met by Gee but his effort trickled wide of the post.

A good move on the right then realised McMahon but his lob over the advancing keeper just cleared the bar. It was all Boza in the early stages and a cross found Newman on the back post but he volleyed over the bar, then Gee created himself a shooting opportunity but his effort went wide from a tight angle.

Harworth had a spell of possession towards the end of the half but never threatened Briggs in the Boza goal just one effort which sailed over the bar. Parsons nearly gave Boza the lead on half time but his long range effort went wide.

HALF TIME

BOZA 0 - 0 HARWORTH

After a scrappy opening to the second half Boza again took control and should have scored after good work by Vincent, his cross flashed across the face of goal and Newman again volleyed over at the far post.

Harworth only rarely attacked on the break and had a couple of efforts but again failed to trouble Briggs would had a very quiet afternoon. Boza looked the more likely to score but a lack of quality and patience in the final third was to be there downfall.

Many times Boza got in good positions but either panicked or chose wrong ball in final third. Midway through the half they had a strong claim turned down when the keeper seemed to handle outside the box and moments later at poor offside decision prevented Newman being clean through on goal.

Boza pushed and Evans found himself in space in the box but a poor first touch closed his angle down and the keeper saved. A cross from the right was then nearly headed home by a Harworth defender but it crashed back of the bar and with minutes remaining skipper Parsons had a fantastic chance to win it with a free header seven yards out but he headed over the bar and the game ended goalless.

It wasn't a bad performance from Boza but needed to relax and show a bit more quality in the final third to win games like this which we should be winning.

FULL TIME

BOZA 0 - 0 HARWORTH

MAN OF MATCH

PAUL BLAKEMORE

TEAM:-

G.Briggs G.Lowde L.Evans P.Hibbered P.Blakemore C.Connelly M.Newman J.Parsons A.Barber ( S.Vincent 60min) D.Gee S.McMahon

SUBS UNUSED

R.Whitehead D.Thomson

ATTENDANCE

30

PRE SEASON ROUND UP

It didn't seem long before we were back training after a long season last year. I was pleased to say that most players stayed with the club and a few new additions made the pre season look promising.

Training wise, an increased turn out from the previous year and gave us the start we required for this season. The friendlies started at the beginning of July against Matlock United from the MRA league. This was a scrappy although entertaining game, as the score ended 3 - 3.

Boza started poorly going behind early doors but Deakin scored to bring the game level but the youthful Matlock side took the lead again just before the interval. Boza the produced a decent spell just after half time and goals by Deakin and Barber saw us take the lead. The game got sloppy towards the end a Matlock levelled due to a Boza error but it was a decent run out for the first game.

The following week saw us entertain Kimberley Town and this time we put in a decent performance winning 2 -0 with goals in each half from Gee and Parsons and was a game which we should have won by more.

The next game was cancelled due to the winter weather we had during the summer and then came a tough test against Maltby Main from the NEC Premier division. A superb first half performance saw Boza take the lead through an own goal but Maltby levelled just before half time. Matching them for a half Boza tired in the second and Maltby finally showed their class to run out 4 - 1 winners in the end which slightly flattered them a bit but Boza put a decent display in for a good hour.

Next up was Kiverton Park and once again a scrappy affair unfolded, Boza played several players who had not featured in the previous games due to holidays and injuries and Kiverton ran out 2 - 1 winners. Boza played well in patches but only had a late Barber goal to show for there efforts.

Another good test followed against Rainworth MW who have just been promoted to NEC. Although Rainworth started well and it looked like they were in for a hatful at one stage, Boza battled back well into the game and again produced a decent solid performance. Rainworth took the lead early on but a Gee penalty brought the game level until Rainworth scored the second just before the interval. An even second half saw both teams have chances but the score remained the same.

The final friendly to report on was a disappointing performance against Dronfield Town from the MRA. It seemed to be after lord's mayor show as Boza were second best in first half with a sloppy performance even though McMahon gave them an early lead. Boza did improve after the break but lost the game 2 - 1 in what was overall a poor display compared with our efforts midweek. On writing this we have one friendly left before the big kick off on Saturday.

I do believe that this season we have a squad capable of pushing for a top three finish providing the players play to their potential and with a bigger squad players who don't perform will soon be out of the squad to make way for somebody else as I feel all players are capable of playing in this side.

We have a few new additions to the squad, Gareth Briggs a young keeper has had an excellent pre season and should have no problem in adapting to this level.

I am pleased to say all the defenders have stayed from last year and with Paul Whitworth back after a year out and with the addition of young Carl Connelly, it should make competition good at the back.

We were a little light in midfield last season regarding personnel but with the addition of Greg Lowde and the experience of Paul Blakemore, this will give increased competition in this area too.

Up front, last season goals were hard to come by, the young players we had in Ross Whitehead and Ash Barber missed a lot of the season through injury but are back now, along with two young players in Daniel Gee and Jamie Smith. To add to this, we have the experience of Shaun Vincent, so competition up there is very strong as we search for an improved return regarding goals scored.

Hopefully players will be patient and realise that they will get a chance if not initially selected and if we are going to push on we need a good squad to do this. We have the squad, hopefully things of field will happen this season to enable us to push for a promotion position which is what I am aiming for this season.

Good luck for the season.

Dave Thomson
Manager, Bolsover Town FC

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