Pickering fires Boldon into next round of cup

Boldon made their intentions clear from the off and took the lead in the 25th minute when top scorer Adam Bell latched on to a loose ball and drilled the ball home from 30 yards.

The home side created numerous chance, but failed to add to their slender lead.

A chance fell to striker Dominic Mossa some 30 yards out and he instinctively struck a left-foot half-volley that was heading into the bottom right hand corner, however, Annfield keeper somehow got down to make finger-tip save.

The second half began with Boldon being sloppy in possession and Annfield punished them with two quick-fire goals to turn the tie upside down.

Boldon responded and began to apply some pressure that saw them draw level in the 75th minute.

Their pressure finally paid off when James Pickering smashed the ball home from just outside the box.

In the 80th minute, some great play down the left between, Symington, Bell and Mossa saw the ball crossed into the box.

The ball fell to danger-man Pickering, who glided past two defenders and found space to fire in a perfect left-foot shot into the Annfield net.

The goal took the wind out of Annfield Plain’s sails and Boldon saw out the game to progress into the nexy round.

Boldon Manager Paul Mossa. “We looked very leggy today. We have come through some very difficult games putting in top class performances.

“However, I thought today we were poor and found it difficult to get around the pitch.

“We have set high standards at Boldon this season and I suppose it’s inevitable that in some games we will fall short.

“The positives though are we are on another cup run and can hopefully gain our third semi-final of the season.

“We are back on league duty on Wednesday with a home tie against high-flying Stockton Town, hopefully we will get back to our usual best for the game.”