DESPITE fielding their strongest line up for years, Bolton Hockey Club Thirds succumbed to a 4-1 defeat at home to a very strong and experienced Bowden, who are looking to secure the championship.

Bolton found the going tough right from the outset as Chris Williams, John Woods and Yogen Patel battled for supremacy in the midfield. Bowden took the lead from a penalty corner when the defence failed to clear and the ball fell invitingly to the Bowden forward, who made no mistake from close range.

Bowden controversially made it 2-0 shortly afterwards when a corner flag bound shot was deflected high of Javed Chowdry's knee into an empty goal.

In the second half, Bolton tried to fight their way back into the game, but Bowden hit their third from a penalty corner.

Straight from the restart, Woods went on a superb solo run and set up Chris Lord, who made no mistake from close range to pull Bolton back into the game. But a goal from another penalty corner settled the matter.

With games running out, the best Bolton can hope for now is third place and

must now rebuild their confidence for the away trip to Southport this coming

Saturday.