Bold Miners achieved their second league victory of the season with a commanding 5-1 win away at Runcorn Celtic, who were yet to secure a point this season. The match saw some key players return, with Ryan Gregory making his first start since his injury at Whittle Hall in September, and Kieran Chilton appearing on the bench for the first time since suffering a pre-season injury. Patrick Fisherman was also on the bench for his potential debut.
Jamie Knowles took on goalkeeping duties, filling in for the injured Paul Strickland, while Damion Baker started at center-back alongside Gabriel Ursu, and Kieran McKelvie returned to the starting lineup at left-back after his goal-scoring appearance as a right winger in his previous outing.
First Half: Bold Miners Dominate Early Play
Bold Miners started brightly, creating multiple early chances, with Matt McBride, James Hynes, Jack Seddon, and Euan McArthur all coming close to opening the scoring. Persistence paid off around the 20-minute mark, as Hynes broke the deadlock after a slick team move that began with goalkeeper Knowles. Knowles played out to McKelvie, who found McArthur on the left wing. McArthur cut inside and delivered a perfectly timed through ball to Hynes. Despite being brought down, Hynes quickly recovered, outmuscling two Runcorn defenders before slotting home for the opener.
Less than 10 minutes later, it was 2-0 to Bold Miners. A corner from Jack Seddon was only partially cleared and fell to Gabriel Ursu. The defender missed his initial attempt, but at the second attempt, he found the bottom corner with a left-footed strike. It was Ursu’s first goal for the club, and Bold Miners took a deserved 2-0 lead into halftime.
Second Half: Goals Galore and a Moment of Magic
Just after the restart, Runcorn Celtic pulled one back in unexpected fashion. A hopeful long-range punt into the box from Runcorn unexpectedly looped over Knowles, who was temporarily blinded by the sun, making it 2-1.
Bold Miners were quick to respond, however, restoring their two-goal advantage within minutes. A well-placed free-kick from Tommy Howard found McBride, who finished calmly, marking his fifth goal in four appearances for the club. This resurgence sparked a round of substitutions, with Gaz Griffiths replacing Hynes, and Patrick Fisherman making his debut on the left wing in place of McArthur.
What followed was a spectacular moment of individual brilliance from Kieran McKelvie. Positioned 15 yards outside the box as Bold Miners prepared to take a corner, McKelvie pounced on a loose clearance. He struck the ball on the half-volley with the outside of his left foot, curling it into the top corner in stunning fashion. His teammates celebrated wildly, and McKelvie marked the occasion with a cradle celebration in dedication to his newborn son, Leighton.
With a comfortable 4-1 lead, further changes were made as Josh Burke and Will McArthur came on for McBride and Gregory, while Kieran Chilton made his long-awaited return from injury, replacing the solid Baker in defence.
There was time for one final goal before the final whistle. A shot from Will McArthur was saved but deflected out to Gaz Griffiths on the right. Griffiths delivered a cross, finding McKelvie on the edge of the box. McKelvie struck another powerful half-volley off the outside of his left foot—this time a low, driven effort—finding the net to seal the 5-1 victory.
Post-Match Awards
Kieran McKelvie was named the Manager’s Player of the Match for his impressive display at left-back, capped off by two outstanding goals, the first of which is already being touted as a contender for Goal of the Season. Captain Tommy Howard was awarded the Coaches’ Player for his disciplined performance in midfield, which included an assist for McBride’s goal.
Bold Miners now move up to 9th in the league, hoping to carry their momentum into the next match.
