TheLongside.co.uk - 1959-60 Series: Burnley v Bolton

1959/60 Series - Burnley v Bolton
Saturday 5th December 1959

Referee: Mr.A.Murdoch. (Sheffield)

Linesmen: Mr.A.Tomkinson and Mr.G.E.readle

Crowd: 26,510

Teams

Burnley

Blacklaw, Angus, Elder, Seith, Miller, Adamson, Connelly, McIlroy, Pointer, Robson, Pilkington.

Bolton

Hopkinson, Hartle, Farrimond, Stanley, Higgins, Edwards, Birch, Hill, Stevens, Parry, Holden.

Well, here we are again with another Lancashire derby, this time against Bolton Wanderers, who were fast earning themselves the reputation of being one of the Leagues harder teams. With their style of play they took no prisoners, so the Burnley faithful were wondering how their young heroes were going to fare against this highly experienced hard tackling team. Their fears were unfounded though as it was Burnley who put in a display worthy of any of the experienced sides.

From the kick off, as was expected it was the Wanderers defence who were letting the young attackers of Burnley know that they were going to have a very tough game. Both teams were equal in the opening exchanges with some good skilful football being played. But it was Burnley who drew first blood with a neat header from Pointer. The goal made the Wanderers defence even more determined not to allow the Clarets to go further ahead, and so the score stayed at 1-0 at the end of the first half.

Right from the start of the second half Bolton carried on where they left off making it very difficult for any further breakthrough, Hartle was the main culprit for all the wild tackling and lunging. But the Burnley attack, picked themselves up, dusted themselves down and showed determination beyond their years. As a result of their doggedness, Connelly stabbed in a great cross from McIlroy to give the Clarets a 2-0 lead. Now this Bolton side were hurting and they started to forget the fouling an started t push forward with some neat football, and it was now Blacklaws' turn to show his form by keeping out the newly spirited Wanderers attack. Burnley were soon back on top though with McIlroy mesmerising the Bolton defence with his trickery, and it was McIlroy himself who netted the third with a shot that he blasted passed the flailing Hopkinson. Burnley were now in total control and it was McIlroy who netted Burnley's fourth from the penalty spot after being brought down in the box by the now desperate Hopkinson.

At the final whistle the Clarets left the field to rapturous applause from a Burnley crowd that had been proud of their heroes grit, skill and determination against this very experienced Bolton side.

This win left Burnley in 6th place in the League only 3 points behind leaders Preston North End.

Programme Review

Both teams as printed in the programme

"Harry Potts Calling"

In his programme notes this week, Harry was heaping praise on his Central League team, having beaten Manchester City in a recent Lancashire Senior Cup. He emphasised how important it was for English football for teams to be playing skilful football, the style of which he believed was being shown by all of his teams, seniors and juniors alike.

He gave his usual warm welcome to the players and officials of Bolton and notably a special mention of Nat Lofthouse, who because of injury had still not started a League game this season. He went on to wish Nat a speedy recovery and hoped he would be back playing competitive football in the very near future.

With the Christmas period fast approaching, Althams Travel Service had placed an advert in the programme for a trip to see the pantomime Cinderella in Blackpool, with the promise of a "Hot Chicken Tea"

WOW, who could possibly miss out on that?

Next game: Arsenal v Burnley, Saturday 12th December 1959.

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