Bold Miners FC earned their first win of the pre-season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Whittle Hall FC at home. This match marked a turning point in the team’s preparations for the upcoming season, showcasing their growing cohesion and tactical discipline.
The match saw the return of two familiar faces to the squad: goalkeeper Kyle Crook and midfielder Alex Wright. Both players started, with Crook taking his place between the posts and Wright initially deployed at right back before moving into a central defensive midfield role in the second half. Their presence was immediately felt, as Crook made several crucial saves to keep a clean sheet, including a standout effort to tip a long-range strike over the bar. Wright, versatile and composed, contributed significantly both defensively and in midfield.
Bold Miners lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with newly appointed captain Tommy Howard and vice-captain Jack Seddon anchoring the midfield as the two holding players. Mike Nilsen played just ahead of them as the central attacking midfielder, while the usual front three of Gareth Griffiths, Euan McArthur, and James Hynes spearheaded the attack.
The breakthrough came in the 62nd minute when Jack Seddon, fresh from his vice-captaincy appointment, scored the decisive goal. His shot from the edge of the box took a deflection, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding the back of the net. This goal was a fitting reward for Seddon, who had been instrumental in both defence and attack throughout the match.
The game also saw the return of long-term absentees Marius Mehelean and Moses Appiah, who both came on in the second half. Their returns added further depth and options to the squad as the team prepares for the challenges ahead.
Bold Miners were calm and confident in possession, playing out from the back with poise and restricting Whittle Hall to very few opportunities. The defence, marshalled by Crook and ably supported by Wright, was solid throughout, while Howard and Seddon controlled the midfield, breaking up play and transitioning the ball effectively.
Substitutes Will McArthur and Jake Wilson were introduced in the second half, injecting pace and energy into the side. Their contributions helped maintain the pressure on Whittle Hall, ensuring Bold Miners held onto their lead until the final whistle.
Manager Luke Lawson was pleased with the team’s performance, particularly highlighting the importance of securing the first win of pre-season. The victory not only boosts morale but also demonstrates the progress the team has made in implementing Lawson’s tactical philosophy.
As Bold Miners continue their pre-season schedule, this win against Whittle Hall FC provides a solid foundation to build upon, with the team showing signs of the cohesion and resilience that will be essential in the season ahead.
