AFTER seven games unbeaten in league action, Tottington came up a little short in their Lancashire FA Amateur Cup first round tie against Lancs Amateur League rivals Old Boltonians.

The first half was largely low key with neither team dominating, although the visitors did take the lead from the penalty spot on 20 minutes after a rash challenge by Chris Bushby, playing his first game back in Tottington colours after his transfer from Prestwich.

The game came to life after the break with Old Bolts adding to their lead five minutes in with a volleyed finish at the third attempt.

But with their next attack, the home side got a foothold in the game when Richard Woodward’s shot from an acute angle passed through the Bolt’s keeper’s hands.

The game was in the balance for the next 20 minutes with Tottington competing well in midfield and creating chances to equalise but good last-ditch defending and unsympathetic refereeing meant the visitors’ defence held firm.

And having soaked up the pressure they began to push Tottington back to create chances of their own.

With the game becoming stretched, a long ball brought a rare misjudgement out of Tottington goalkeeper Martin Campbell, allowing Old Bolts in for their third goal two minutes from time.

They underlined their victory with a fourth goal with the last kick of the game, leading to a comprehensive-looking scoreline that did not fairly reflect on Tottington’s performance.

Totty return to league action with a tough trip to Horwich Victoria on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.