Winnington Park 1 Bolton 1: BOLTON'S inconsistency reared its ugly head once more and put paid to their promotion hopes.

Last week's resounding victory was followed by a disappointing draw against lowly Winnington - their first point of the season.

Bolton started brightly enough and were soon in the lead when a three man move in the opposition 'D' was well finished by Steve Way as he rolled the ball under the advancing keeper.

They continued to press but were unable to capitalise on the good start as Aitken and Way, in particular, squandered easy chances. Winnington defended desperately at times and Way was given a temporary suspension after his over-zealous questioning an umpiring decision.

Bolton's frustration turned to indiscipline which allowed Winnington back into the game and it was only a matter of time before they levelled. Way was dismissed again for verbal abuse to round off a miserable afternoon for both him and Bolton.

Bolton 2nd 1 Preston 2nd 1

THE top of the table clash was a mouth-watering prospect from the start, not failing to impress the gathered supporters of both teams.

Preston took advantage of Bolton's failure to pick men up in the area by lifting the ball high past goalkeeper Goldsborough in the 20th minute. Bolton battled back and were rewarded with three short corners within as many minutes and rewarded when the David Tonge's shot was saved by the keeper but Ian Smith banged home the follow-up.

Bolton 4th 0 v Bowdon 1

BOLTON started well against a side who had not lost a game, but the sending off of Matthew Simpson proved costly. They were unable to to press home their advantage even with 10 men and Bowdon grabbed the winner.

Golborne 4 Bolton 5ths 3

GOLBORNE had scored 26 goals in their last two games but it was a crisp shot from Bolton's Steve Cornfoot that opened the scoring. Andy Hill scored a second but the game was all-square at the interval. The home side went ahead before captain Carl Phibin levelled, but Golborne grabbed a late winner.

Bolton Ladies 1 v Bowdon 1st 4

BOLTON dominated the first 15 minutes and rewarded with a well worked goal when Jenny Cocker's cross was swept home by Holly Dean. Bowdon proved too strong and came back strongly to dominate the game.

Bolton Beavers 8 Alderley Edge 1

DAVID Flanagan led the scoring with a hat trick while Adam Wilmington and Liam Dudley grabbed two each and one for Richard Coles. Alderley scored one consolation goal in a rare foray up the park.