Bolton 2nd XI 3, Lytham St Annes 0: AFTER last weekend's debacle against promotion rivals Rossendale, Bolton 2nds got their act together and hit back to defeat an experienced Lytham St Annes 3 - 0.

The first chance for Bolton fell to Adam Friend, but the Lytham keeper superbly saved his pile driver. Bolton's opening goal came from a short corner after some tenacious work by Owen Evans. A Friend strike rebounded to Chris Aitken, whose goal bound effort was tapped in on the line by Rupert Turnpole, for his first goal of the season.

The introduction of young Lancashire start, Peter Friend did not impede Bolton's passing as his contribution only increased Bolton's hold on the game. Simon Coles, another of Bolton's up and coming youth players when introduced did not disappoint either.

In the second half Bolton continued to press forward looking for the second goal. This time it was another debutant, Chris Aitken, who finished superbly from the edge of the "D" after a killer pass from Chris Dean to make it 2 - 0.

Another short corner and another goal for Turnpole, again tapping in an Aitken goal bound effort. At the other end the Bolton defence were made to work extra hard for the clean sheet, with Goldsbrough in impressive form to deny the Lytham forwards.

There were excellent debut performances from youngsters Chris Aitken, Simon Coles and Peter Friend. With just three games remaining Bolton must take maximum points to keep up their slim hopes of promotion.