ATLAS F C 0 vs 2 BOLDMERE St. MICHAELS F.C.

A mediocre performance saw Boldmere produced just enough to progress into the Semi Final of the Rumsby Cup with a comfortable 2-0 win against a very average Atlas side.

The last minute withdrawal of keeper Steve Cullen meant that Jack Salter had to don the gloves for the second time this season. James Duff replaced the Dubai bound Chris O'Brien in the only other change from last weeks line up. The returning Tom Shakespeare and Rich McCausland joined Olly Nicholson and Craig Oates on a 4 man bench.

Boldmere pretty much dominated possession in a pretty forgetful first half. Bulldogs missing early chances and improvident use of the final ball were the dominant factors  in a lack lustre first half display. Half time 0-0

One change was made at half time with Olly Nicholson replacing Liam Hannon. However, it wasn't until Tom Shakespeare entered proceedings, replacing the 'out of sorts' Adam Mills in the 55th minute, that Boldmere started to look really dangerous. In fact it was Shakespeare's brilliant inswinging corner in the 63rd minute that was met by the unstoppable force  that is 'Big' John Haycock, who thumped his header home. Boldmere were now pushing forward well, with Shakespeare and Aaron Humphries most prominent in Boldmeres good play. Atlas were never really any kind of a threat as man of the match, John Haycock, alongside Paul Davis, easily nullified any attacks Atlas had to offer. Paul Davis then headed home another Shakespeare corner in the 85th minute to cement the win and book the Bulldogs into the semi final.

So not a typical Boldmere performance, rather lack lustre, mediocre and sluggish. However, the result was all that mattered today and now a tough semi final awaits.

Next week the Bulldogs are on their travels again. This time they are back in league action against a much improved AFC Sutton side and in pursuit of another 3 valuable points in their push for the title.

#WeGoAgain