A youthful Bolton Wanderers B Team arrived at the Dreams2Reality Stadium, presenting for many their first taste of Northern Premier League opposition. Michael Clegg’s side looking to build upon last season’s resurgence.
Colls fielding a strong starting XI, Joe Piggott sporting the captain’s armband. Andy Taylor’s Whites side captained by Harley Irwin, featuring veteran player-coach Andrew Tutte in the centre of the park.
Following an early stoppage in play as Bolton changed keepers following a collision, Colls exerted early pressure, their physicality posing a threat in advanced areas. An Aaron Dwyer snapshot, following an indirect freekick offering the first sight of goal.
That man Dwyer was soon able to run with the ball at the Bolton backline, from around 20 yards, last season’s top scorer able to cut the ball back across the replacement keeper and into the bottom corner to open the scoring.
Dwyer threatened again early in the second half, his effort rebounding off the post, evading Luke Nock as he closed in. Further chances fell to Chidedu Uche and Tom Bentham before Colls’ best chance to close out the game as Alex Doyle’s header flew narrowly wide.
The game ended with the Young Whites on the front foot, Colls’ new keeper Conor Robson maintaining his clean sheet as referee Darren Handley brought proceeding to a close with the hosts content with the 1-0 victory.
The Colls continue their pre-season campaign next Saturday away to Warrington Rylands before return to the Dream2Reality on Tuesday 29th July to face Bamber Bridge.
