Bolton 2nd 1 Rossendale 4 THE score line says it all.

This should have been a game where Bolton could have cemented their top two position and put the pressure on the leaders. Instead they have now virtually handed Blackpool the title and promotion is now longer a certainty.

Bolton started well. Although put under early pressure they soaked it up well, hit on the break and took the lead from their first short corner when Dave Tonge fired from close range.

Rossendale equalized from a penalty stroke when goalkeeper Chris Goldsbrough brought down the Rossendale forward and it was soon 2- 1 to the opposition following poor defending. In the second half Bolton regrouped but despite creating chance after chance, the forward line failed to put the ball away.

The game was effectively over when, in the first real attack Rossendale had in the second half, Goldsbrough allowed a very soft shot to sneak under his body to make it 3 - 1. It was then game, set and match when Rossendale piled on more agony to make it 4-1.

Bolton 4th 1

Alderley Edge 1

THE game starting with good hockey from Bolton, Peter Friend and Yogen Patel passing the ball around with confidence. Coles finally scored but Alderley equalisedf eight minutes from the end.

Bolton U-14 Badgers 4

Southport Badgers 2

Bolton produced a fine performance to overcome a good Southport side. Surprisingly they went behind early on but Luke Fiddler responded with a fine individual goal, only to see Southport re-establish their lead before half time.

Bolton dominated the second half. Robert Davies drove home the equaliser and Luke Fiddler and David Flanagan scored a good goal to give the score a realistic look.