10.30am 1 October 2022
South Manchester and Cheshire Christian League, Division Two
Bridge Bolton 5 Moss Lane East 4 (att 9)
The biggest challenge watching games in this league is finding out the venues. It was only in the days leading up to this fixture that I discovered where Bridge Bolton play, and that it was a pitch I'd not been to before.
There are various multi-pitch parks in the town, but Bridge Bolton's home ground is better than those, being just a single enclosed pitch. There are several entrances to Walkers Playing Field, but vehicle access is via Cotefield Avenue.
From that entrance the pitch runs widthways, with space for cars to park and, in the corner of the field, changing rooms.
If ever a game showed that the level of football is no predictor of entertainment then this was it. It might only have been the second tier of a Saturday morning league, but I doubt I'll see many better games this season.
Bridge Bolton opened the scoring, Moss Lane East levelled, then the home side went back in front for a half time lead.
The real excitement came during the second period. It didn't take long after the restart for visitors to make it 2-2, and at that point they were well on top. It looked a matter of time before they went in front but instead it was Bridge, against the run of play, who made it 3-2.
A fourth home goal, after 73 minutes, looked to have sealed a win, but Manchester-based Moss Lane weren't beaten. Two goals in quick succession hauled them from 2-4 down to 4-4.
Their celebrations after equalising proved premature though, as a fine volley from the edge of the penalty area flew past the keeper to make it 5-4 to Bridge Bolton with just four minutes left.
It was almost a surprise there wasn't another twist in the tale after that. A draw would have been a fair outcome, but it was great advert for Saturday morning football, and easily the most enjoyable game I've seen so far this season.
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