13/09/2026
Bolton Woods Tigers vs Baildon Dynamos – First Game of the Season ⚽️🐯
The first game of the season today against Baildon Dynamos — and it certainly didn't disappoint! End-to-end action from start to finish.
We knew what we were coming up against after losing to Baildon last season, so we were determined to show how much we've improved.
1st Quarter
We took the same approach as last week's friendly, starting with the solid three at the back of Louis, Freddie and Xander.
We played some really good football, with plenty of balls coming through Freddie down the right and quick football into Harry Parkin's feet. Harry was then releasing some great balls into the box, but unfortunately Archie, Andrew and Harry couldn't quite get on the end of them.
For the remainder of the quarter, the game was very much in our hands. Once again, we showed some really good football but just couldn't find that final piece in front of goal.
2nd Quarter
A few changes to personnel didn't change the rhythm of the game. We continued to push forward, with Xander stepping further into midfield and helping us gain more control.
We won a number of corners and continued putting pressure on them, although we were caught on one counter attack.
We recovered well, with Louis finding space down the left and playing Harrison through. Harrison then showed some great composure, beating a couple of players before getting his shot away. It took a deflection, but H-Dog was there to put it between the sticks and give us a deserved lead! ⚽️
3rd Quarter
This was probably our weakest quarter. We became a little uncomposed in certain situations and didn't quite get the same control we'd had previously.
We failed to press from one of their goal kicks, which allowed them to build an attack and eventually find the top corner with their only really clear chance of the game.
A few minutes later we switched off again and didn't stand toe-to-toe at a kick-in, allowing them to take the lead.
4th Quarter
We told the lads we were going for it.
With us a goal behind, we went with Harry as the lone defender, Freddie and Andrew just in front, and Louis, Harrison and Archie as the front three.
The change worked brilliantly. We took total control and relentlessly pushed forward with quick passing and releasing the ball at the right time.
Eventually Harrison found himself in front of goal, opened his body up beautifully and calmly put it past the keeper to bring us level. ⚽️
Final Thoughts
Another brilliant game from the lads and, once again, I thought we were on top for the majority of the game.
Two games into the season and we're still unbeaten — which is a massive improvement from where we were last season.
The biggest thing for me today was seeing the lads actually enjoying themselves. The comments from several people after the game show that we're getting this team on the right path, and that's exactly what we want.
There's still plenty to improve, but the football we're playing, the effort we're putting in and the attitude we're developing are all heading in the right direction.
Man of the Match: Alfie 🐶👏
Like a little bulldog today! Constant pressure, never giving up and making some important saves when he went in goal. Absolutely deserved.
Opposition Man of the Match: Louis 👏
Goals:
Harrison ⚽️
Harry Hardaker ⚽️
A massive shout-out to everyone on the sidelines today. The support, encouragement and, of course, taking the mick from each other makes these matchdays what they are! 😂
Also a big thank you to Mark on the other side for talking the players through the game and helping the keepers, and to Chris for helping out on my side. It makes a huge difference having people around the team who are willing to get involved and support the lads.
🧤 NEW SIGNING
I'm also really pleased to announce that Yuvraj has signed for Bolton Woods Tigers for the season!
Yuvraj brings plenty of experience as a goalkeeper and I genuinely think he's going to be a huge addition to this team and could play a massive part in helping us have a successful season. Welcome to the Tigers! 🐯🧤
🏆 END-OF-SEASON AWARDS
Can all parents and players please send over their Parents' Player and Players' Player nominations throughout the season, as these will be used towards our end-of-season trophies.
🙌 SPONSORS
A huge thank you to our sponsors for their continued support of Bolton Woods Tigers:
Symposium Bar & Kitchen
The Bridge Cafe
Fairweather Windows
Your support is massively appreciated.
Two games. No losses. The football is improving. The confidence is growing.
Let's keep pushing. 🐯💯⚽️
